TMN Magazine Premier Issue by TMN Magazine

TMN A

ENTERTAINMENT MUSIC STYLE

PREMIER ISSUE

01 FREE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GWEN STEFANI!

TOPMEGA 5'S YOUR NEXT FAVORITE BAND

FIVES OMG FACTS

MADONNA YOU DIDN'T KNOW

topmeganews.com

INTERVIEW GRAMMYNOMINATED ARTIST

TÁMAR

DAVISrm"

to S e h T "I Am

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TMN

WE GOT TO CHAT WITH FIVES ABOUT “HEART & THUNDER“, WHAT THEY GOT IN STORE FOR THE REST OF 2016, AND A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHAT INSPIRES THEM MUSICALLY, WITH THEIR TALENT, THEIR KINDNESS, AND THEIR DRIVE – WE KNOW WE’RE JUST SEEING THE BEGINNING FOR FIVES.

E V I S U L C EX

Exclusive interview with

INTERVIEW

PAGE 26

What's Inside?

TMN

05 08 09 11 14 17 19

The Editor's Note Best Fanbase On Our Playlist TopMega 5's Beauty Secrets from Tamar The Psychology and Meaning of Colors OMG facts MADONNA

23 26 31 44 46

topmeganews.com

Happy Birthday GWEN STEFANI FIVES IntervÄ±ew TAMAR DAVIS Interview TopMega 5's Your Guide to Fan Base Nicknames

teenage writing music / fashion

art

photography

Vine Superstar Kasy reached 7M followers

Jaime Blake models for Youth 2021

An 18-year-old made his first million

The Teenage Girl from New York

Yard sale profit goes to charity by Jenna Smith

Photographer Emma covers Vial 2021

Jen Rice speaks about mental health

13-year-old artist Megan Tan

04 08 12 16 18 20 24

Vine Superstar Back to School Social Media Youth 2021 Scholarships Millionaire at 18 New Yorker Teen

26 28 27 30 34 37 40

Her first tattoo Acing senior high Music Trends Jenna's Yard Sale Vial 2021 Jen Rice Teen Artist

July 2021 popstarmag . com

• I S S U E •

EDITOR'S NOTE

Hello

to the first issue of TMN Magazine. This is all pretty exiting really!

and Welcome

We are excited to announce TMN Magazine's first ever issue. For those new to us, we’ve been around the last year

covering new music, film, TV and entertainment news on TopMegaNews.com. We’ve always had the aim to eventually make a magazine. So here we are, finally, with Issue 1. With this first issue we want to show you what we are about. With some fresh new content exclusive to this magazine. Tamar Davis is this month’s cover star! In our interview with Támar, she told exclusively to TMN how she got started in music, about The Voice and the advice she would give contestants, details about her album I am THE STORM, how it feels to be A Grammy-Nominated artist, her beauty secrets and much much more… We got to chat with FIVES about “Heart & Thunder“, a little bit about what inspires them musically, with their talent, their kindness, and their drive – we know we’re just seeing the beginning for FIVES. And keep your eye out for our growing 'TopMega5's' section. I’d personally like to thank everyone who has written for TopMegaNews in the past, as well as everyone who has contributed to this first issue. In the meantime, spread the world and let us know what you would like to see in future issues! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date. Until next time! We hope you enjoy it. If not then your money back...Oh hang on...it’s free, well nothing to lose there then!

Editor-in-chief and The TMN Team h a i m Jere 5

-CONNECT WITH US-

@TopMegaNewz

/TopMegaNews www.TopMegaNews.com

@TopMegaNews

For those who are here let the light in: #Respect CAK Production Emine SARI Tamar Davis Syren Music Group Wonder Hostels MindInMotion Photographers:Po-Wei Shih Lorie Shaull www.flickr.com/people/number7cloud/ Danny Kaan Creative Director

THE COVER

Mercede Mc

A massive thank you to Courtesy of

topmeganews@hotmail.com

Kawai Matthews Photography for

@MistycmMckibben

this photo

Editor-in-Chief / Managing Director

and

Jeremiah Foster

GORGEOUS TAMAR DAVIS

editor@topmeganews.com Music Editor Weaver Ellen @WeaverEllenEr04

Want to have your work in this magazine? You're only ever a few clicks away from joining our team of writers. Email editor@topmeganews.com to become part of our team. FEEDBACK We want to improve ecery issue so if you have any feedback please email us on: editor@topmeganews.com ADVERTISING To enquire about advertising and to request a media pack contact: info@topmeganews.com

All rights reserved. All material in TMN magazine may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of TopMegaNews. TMN Magazine and its contributors cannot accept any liability for reader discontent arising from the editorial features. TMN Magazine reserves the right to accept or reject any article or material supplied for publication or to edit this material prior to publishing. TMN magazine cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to supplied materials. We accept no liability for any misprints or mistakes and no responsibility can be taken for the contents of these pages. ÂŠ

TMN

www . topmeganews . com info @ topmeganews . com

TMN

Bes t

Thanks for voting, and congratulations #Heartbeats !

PHOTO: Danny Kaan

JESSIE J http://topmeganews.com/polls/

Fan bas e

TMN

our playlist Michael Buble - Nobody But Me Korn - Serenity Of Suffering Lady Gaga - Joanne

Elvis Presley & The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra - Wonder Of You Tamar Davis - #Fleek FIVES - Heart & Thunder Maroon 5 - Don't Wanna Know Bruno Mars - 24K Magic Little Mix - Shout Out to My Ex DNCE - Body Moves John Legend - Love Me Now

guest playlists "I am a Brandy fanatic. I also have been listening to Barbra Streisand’s Broadway hits and my last musical purchases were Bishop Briggs and Snoh Aalegra".

TAMAR DAVIS

COIN “Talk to Much” Francis and the Lights, Run River North, The 1975. Cub Sport and Blood Orange, Subsignal and some early Everygrey, The Killers, DMB, Mumford and Sons, Nickel Creek, OAR, and some John Mayer. 9

FIVES

TMN

Songs You Didn't Know Were Written by SIA BEYONCE -PRETTY HURTS

LEA MICHELE CANNONBALL

RIHANNA - DIAMONDS

CELINE DION - LOVED ME BACK TO LIFE

BRITNEY SPEARS PERFUME

NE-YO LET ME LOVE YOU 10

TMN a5 g e M p o #T

#TopMe ga5

http://topmeganews.com/topmega5/

5 a g e M p o #T 11

TMN

TOPMEGA 5'S

Top 5 Shockingly Rich Celebrities Many of you probably want to know how much cash your favorite celebrities have in their bank accounts. So without further ado, here is a rundown of the top 5 richest celebrities in 2016. These celebrities are rich and famous:

#4 Cristiano Ronaldo $88,000,000 Portugal #4 Dr. Phil McGraw $88,000,000 USA

#3 James Patterson $95,000,000 USA

#2 One Direction $110,000,000 UK

#1 Taylor Swift $170,000,000 Source: Forbes

TMN

TOPMEGA 5'S

Top 5 Instagram

Accounts Of 2016 We’ve decided to sum up most followed Instagram accounts of 2016 so far into a list, and of course the top places were taken by celebrities with enormously huge fanbases. Take a look at our Top 5 to learn more:

#5 @kimkardashian 83.4m followers 105 following #4 @arianagrande 84.8m followers 1,215 following #3 @beyonce 85.1m followers 0 following

#2 @taylorswift 91.3m followers 85 following

#1 @selenagomez 100m followers 252 following

Selena Gomez doesn’t post that often. But it’s no surprise that Selena has hit such a milestone, especially since she posts so many stunning selfies and adorable stage photos with her fans, all of which get millions of likes. However, that being said, Gomez hasn’t actually posted on Instagram since 15th August, because she’s taking some time off after cancelling her upcoming tour shows due to her Lupus. But, despite not being active for over a month, people still continued to follow her. Now that shows the true power of Selenators and her adoring fans! Did you know that 100 million is FOUR TIMES the population of Texas, which is where Selena was born? How crazy is that?! Congratulations to Selena on reaching such an incredible follower count!!! Follow usWe are also there @topmeganews

BEAUTY

TMN

Vintage Stores

Beauty Secrets

EXCLUSIVES

WE LOVE TÁMAR DAVIS! 14

DOSS TIDWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

style guru

BEAUTY SECRETS AND TIPS FROM TĂ MAR:

I workout at least three times a week. I've noticed that the sweat detoxes me and it always makes me look well-rested especially in those times when I can't get to a gym.

Wash makeup brushes every 5 days Completely remove all makeup before sleeping. I don't like wearing jeans. Therefore, I am always purchasing cute sundresses. They are the quickest way to look presentable at the last minute.

I have learned to use my "DO NOT DISTURB" feature on my phone between the hours of 11:00pm - 9:00am the next day. Yes there's always something to talk about, but pure rest comes from when your mind is cleared of any and all things that could possibly become apart of my dreams/nightmare. I find that when this happens, God has a clear path to speak to me. 15

"I love vintage stores, so everywhere I travel, I shop vintage. I know that when i find a rare piece, no one else owns it."

r a m รก T m o Fr "When I first began touring with the first national tour of "Motown the Musical" my face started breaking out really bad. It was so embarrassing to leave the house. I visited countless dermatologists and received numerous microdermabrasions all to find out that women of color should not get them. Needless to say, my mom and I did some research and discovered natural remedies to cure my overly excessive oil glands that were the underlying cause for my breakouts. My face is not only a 100% healed, but I discovered my natural remedies as the surface to clean skin. I wash my face morning and night with dove soap. I exfoliate three times a week with baking soda, honey and lemon and as a moisturizer I use cetaphil moisturizer and pure vaseline. My favorite astringent is SeaBreeze and when I am removing makeup after a performance, I use and love SIMPLE Micellar Cleansing Water after I've used SIMPLE makeup wipe removers." 16

DOSS TIDWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

RED

ORANGE

Associated with energy, war, danger, strength, power, determination as we ll as passion, desire, and love. Enhances human metabolism, increases respiration rate, and raises blood pressure. It attracts attention more than any other color, at times signifying danger.

Combines the energy of red and the happiness of yellow. Associated with joy, sunshine, and the tropics. Represents enthusiasm, fascination, happiness, creativity, determination, attraction, success, encouragement, and stimulation.

YELLOW

GREEN

Associated with joy, happiness, intellect, and energy. Produces a warming effect, arouses cheerfulness, stimulates mental activity, and generates muscle energy. Bright, pure yellow is an attention getter, which is the reason taxicabs are painted this color. When overused, yellow may have a disturbing effect. It is known that babies cry more in yellow rooms. Yellow indicates honor and loyalty. Later the meaning of yell ow was connected with cowardice.

Color of nature. It symbolizes growth, harmony, freshness, and fertility. Strong emotional correspondence with safety. Dark green is also commonly associated with money. Has great healing power. Green suggests stability and endurance. Color of the sea. It is often associated with depth and stability. Symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. Considered beneficial to the mind and body. Slows human metabolism and produces a calming effect.

Combines the stability of blue and the energy of red. Associated with royalty. It symbolizes power, nobility, luxury, and ambition. Associated with wisdom, dignity, independence, creativity, mystery, and magic. 17

-Top New Albums-

#OMG Facts

ABOUT MADONNA

Madonna has sold more than 300 million records worldwide, making her Guinness World Records‘ most successful female artist in the world.

Madonna’s 1992 first book, Sex is the best and fastest-selling coffee table book of all time, moving 1,500,000 copies in just 3 days.

Madonna has won nine Razzie Awards for Worst Actress or Worst Supporting Actress.

With her Rebel Heart world tour wrapping over the weekend, Madonna has sold more than $1.31 billion in tickets, and hold the title of top grossing touring solo artist in the history of Billboard Boxscore.

enjoy… Since moving to the UK, Madonna has become the most successful female artist in the country with more number one singles than any female UK solo artist. According to British Phonographic Industry (BPI), Madonna is the most certified artist of all time in United Kingdom, with 45 awards.

Madonna does not have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

TAIWAN 2016 REBEL HEART TOUR / PHOTOS BY PO-WEI SHIH

r a e y s i h t 8 5 d e n r u t a n n o d a M

Madonna dated Vanilla Ice for eight months. Madonna worked several minimum wage jobs to make ends meet, including one at a Dunkin’ Donuts. Madonna is also the third highest-grossing touring act in history, after the Rolling Stones and U2. Madonna said the “F***” word 13 times on Late Night With David Letterman in 1994. The episode became the most censored in American network television talk-show history, as well as some of Letterman’s highest ratings in his latenight career. Madonna’s father got re-married to the family’s housekeeper. They had two additional children. Madonna’s first children’s book, The English Roses, debuted at the top of The New York Times Best Seller list and became the fastestselling children’s picture book of all time.

PHOTOS BY PO - WEI SHIH With Like a Virgin Album(1984), Madonna became an international star. It was her first number one album on the Billboard 200. True Blue had two music videos made for it, both with a retro theme. The women sitting alongside Madonna in this video actually included her real-life friends, designer Erika Belle and actress Debi Mazar, Songfacts reports. Benicio del Toro was a household name, he could be seen sitting on the hood of a car in Madonna’s “La Isla Bonita” video, Entertainment Weekly reports. Madonna dropped out of college in 1977 and moved to New York City with only $35 in her pocket. In 1990, Gaultier created one of his signature looks for Madonna’s Blond Ambition Tour. Madonna granted her entire music catalog to the Fox TV series Glee. Madonna directed three films; Filth and Wisdom (2008), W.E. (2011) and the short film “Secret Project Revolution” (2013) 21

Photo by Lorie Shaull

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Gwen Stefani 23

ACT AS YOUNG AS YOU FEEL. YOU'RE NOT GETTING OLDER; YOU'RE GETTING MORE ENTITLED TO BE YOUR FABULOUS SELF. ~Gwen Stefani~

From just a girl to a hollaback girl, Gwen Stefani keeps rocking.

HAPPY

47ST

BIRTHDAY

GWEN

STEFANI

(October 3, 2016)

The former The Voice coach is having quite the year. She released her third solo album, This is What the Truth Feels Like, after a 10-year hiatus, and the record debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Stefani also recently launched a new animated kids’ show on Nickelodeon, Kuu Kuu Harajuku.

“I have to work very hard to look the way I do. I want the girls out there to know that.”

In honor of her birthday, we here at TMN have put together a list of Stefani’s best QUOTES.

"If I wasn't even famous or had any

success, I would still wake up and put tons

of make-up on, and put on a cool outfit.

That's always been who I've been my whole

Photo by Lorie Shaull

life, so that's never gonna change. I love

fashion. I love getting dressed up. I love

Halloween, too."

"Sometimes you have to sacrifice your performance for high heels".

“After you make a fool of yourself a few hundred times, you learn what works.”

"Life is short and you've got to get the most out of it."

TMN

TMN exclusives

INTERVIEW

FIVES WILL BE YOUR NEXT FAVORITE BAND

We got to chat with FIVES about

ith the release of their new EP for “Heart & Thunder“, what they got “Heart & Thunder” it’s easy to see why this in store for the rest of 2016, and a band is garnering so much buzz. Just listen little bit about what inspires them to the previews! This band absolutely bucks the trend in the current indie scene! The musically, with their talent, their songs are lush and beautiful. Each in their kindness, and their drive – we own endearing way. And every track stands know we’re just seeing the out in EVERY single way. This is a band that beginning for FIVES. is made up of seasoned songwriters and FIVES was formed in Baltimore, MD, in 2008 by lead vocalist Marc Cashin and honed musicians.

keyboardist Matthew White. The band’s sound is a combination of acoustic based rock and indie pop. 26

TMN FIVES:

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BEEN A YEAR OF HARD WORK AND MIXED EMOTIONS. There were moments of frustration and moments of excitement. It feels good to have that part over, but now its out there in the world and the responsibility to promote it is almost more overwhelming than the work that went into creating it. The real work is just beginning!

TMN

CATCH SOME WAVES IN

FIVES is an alternative/indie rock group from Washington DC. Vocals, Guitar / Marc Cashin Keyboards, Vocals / Matthew White Guitar, Vocals / Nate Lanzino Bass / Jake Tate Drums / Billy Toti INTERVIEW

Tell us a bit about yourselves, (your names, ages, where you’re from…) Is there a story behind your band name FIVES? Marc Cashin, lead singer, Baltimore, MD Matt White, keyboards, Washington, DC Nate Lanzino, lead guitar, Annapolis, MD Billy Toti, drums, Pearl Harbor, HI Jake Tate, bass, middle of nowhere VA FIVES: The story behind the band name is pretty boring. We let everyone put 3 suggestions into a hat and we drew one random name. It just happened to be FIVES. But it could have been Chimp Overboard or Mourning Would. We may have escaped some pretty bad names come to think of it! How and when did you get started in the music and music industry? FIVES: Marc and Matt have been playing music together for close to 9 years. We actually met in a different band and branched off to start something new. Matt was in 3 other bands previously – Harbor Lights (contemporary jazz) and Johnny Microwave & the Leftovers (50’s & 60’s rock’n’roll), and used to write music jingles for radio. He studied music composition at Indiana University. Nate is the co-owner of a recording studio called SongBuilder Studios, and has played in a ton of groups from bluegrass to metal. Billy and Jake have been in bands previously.

TMN How would you describe your music, unique sound to those who have yet to listen and appreciate your creative talent? FIVES: Our music has a lot of influences and the new EP definitely reflects some diversity in sound. We all come from very different musical backgrounds and grew up listening to different styles of music. We didn’t set out to sound like anything or anyone in particular but we’ve done a good job of blending what we each individually love to play. There is a combination of alt rock, pop, acoustic, maybe a dash of 80’s synth and a bit of R&B. Its a mostly an uplifting energetic album with themes about relationships – but even the songs that deal with the struggle to make relationships work aren’t sad or depressing. You’ve just released your new EP Heart & Thunder how does it feel now that it’s out? FIVES: It’s been a year of hard work and mixed emotions. There were moments of frustration and moments of excitement. It feels good to have that part over, but now its out there in the world and the responsibility to promote it is almost more overwhelming than the work that went into creating it. The real work is just beginning!

CATCH SOME WAVES IN Who and what were your influences when making this record? FIVES: We knew that this EP was a chance for us to grow as musicians and as a band in general. We wanted to showcase our ability but it was also important for us to write songs that are relevant to what’s happening today in music. There were a strange mixture of influences on this album: Mumford & Sons, Smallpools, X Ambassadors, Saint Raymond, The 1975, Modest Mouse, Phoenix, St. Lucia, Walk the Moon … you can probably hear a little bit of each of those artists in what we recorded. You’ve got a strong presence on social media, which is your favourite platform to connect with fans? (e.g. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) FIVES: We use Facebook a lot – that seems to be where we get the most fan connection. We started Instagram less than a year ago, so we are still trying to build a following – we try and do some more fun and casual stuff with the band there. You work so hard and you’re clearly very passionate about your career, what’s fun for you outside of music? FIVES: Oh geez – collectively we all have different hobbies but do we have time for much else outside of music?! Which artists are you listening to and enjoying at the moment? Matt: Right now I am really digging COIN’s new single “Talk to Much”, Francis and the Lights, Run River North, and the new The 1975 record. Billy: Cub Sport and Blood Orange Jake: Subsignal and some early Everygrey. I love me some European prog! Marc: My go to bands are The Killers, DMB, Mumford and Sons, Nickel Creek, OAR, and some John Mayer.

INTERVIEW

Aside from music, which we hope you’re making more of, what else do you have planned for the rest of 2016? Will you be taking a vacation? FIVES: We have a couple of music videos planned for the new release and we are wrapping up a few summer tour dates. Hopefully, we will do a short east coast tour in the fall. Any message you want to give to your fans and future fans out there? Or offer any services or offers of collaboration with others? FIVES: We sincerely hope that people listen to some of our music and find a connection within. And we love to meet people at our live shows. We always encourage folks to come say hi and hangout. So check out our website – www.fivesband.com and take a listen, find a performance, and help support your local music scene!

There’s no doubt in our minds that you’ll all be able to find a piece of yourself in FIVES’s EP “Heart & Thunder” so be sure to check it out on iTunes and keep up with their social media: Website: http://www.fivesband.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fivesband Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/fives_band Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/fivesband INTERVIEW

KawaiMatthews Photographer

ON THE COVER

TÁMAR DAVIS

TMNexclusives

TÁMAR DAVIS The Houston singer began her vocal career alongside Beyonce as a member of Girl's Tyme and came under the tutelage of the legendary Prince before appearing as a standout contestant on Season 10 of NBC's “The Voice.” She brings fans a new sound with this latest project, while remaining true to her soulful roots. Described as an artist with “a voice that can fill three stadiums” by The New York Times, the versatile singer, songwriter and producer earned a Grammy nod for her songwriting collaboration with Prince on their duet, “Beautiful, Loved, and Blessed.” On her latest musical venture, Támar joins forces with local talents to produce several songs on the CD, including “Sweet Music”" featuring Tony Henry and “Gift of Goodbye” and “When I Dream” featuring the Richard Brown Orchestra.

Having enjoyed success with her first album, Tamar Davis is about to unleash her talents on to us once again! “I Am the Storm” is the follow up to the Houston artist's 2011 album, “My Name Is Támar,” independently produced by Syren Music Group, LLC. Tamar's debut album garnered sales in the U.S. and overseas, including Canada, Japan, Barcelona, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Japan. She has no plans of slowing down anytime soon. This lady is made to grace arenas with her raw and powerful talent. She has such warmth, depth and soul to her voice. She reminds us of an altogether different generation of singers – from a different era.

Jeremy Pope Photographer

by Jeremiah Foster

I was delighted to speak to Tamar Davis for our first issue ever! Támar DAVIS is an artist to keep your eyes on! She has a beautiful voice and is a true star in every sense of the word…

TÁMAR DAVIS:

AS LONG AS I HAVE BREATH, I MUST KEEP GOING. I MUST KEEP SEEKING. I MUST KEEP DOING. I MUST KEEP SINGING. I AM GOING THROUGH ALL OF THIS FOR OTHERS.

” m r o t S e h t m A I “

First of all, congratulations on the new album “I Am the Storm”. What drew you to a project like this? What were the inspirations for the album in particular? Thank you. I have been working on my sophomore album for 7 years now, but since my departure from “The Voice” and a final conversation with my late great mentor Prince, I knew that I had to expedite the album. I was inspired by my supporters and my fans #TamFam, especially after the rave reviews and feedback from my performance of Sam Smith’s “Lay Me Down.” I remembered speaking with my family about how I wanted to continue to perform big ballads. I knew at that moment, it was a true calling to no longer procastinate and wait for the perfect opportunity, but to really move in faith and ironically, “I Am the Storm,” the title track was the very final song placed on the album.

What was your songwriting process? Most of the songs were written either while I was driving, or while speaking to people about certain topics that I am passionate about: education and the arts. I learned that there is a unique sound that I have been blessed with, and because I enjoy talking, I enjoy telling stories. So I knew that I wanted to tell stories about everyday life. I knew after finishing “Motown the Musical” on Broadway, that I wanted to “get-a-way.” Or one of my favorites, “Gift of Goodbye” was created based on a facebook message that was sent to me from a dear friend encouraging me to let things go. Overall, songwriting on this album took time. I tweeked songs, deleted songs, started over with songs, and I even sought new and upcoming musicans, producers and writers for this album via social media. 34

Could you tell us about the recording process? How long did the full album process take you? I actually met my executive producer, Jermaine Williams, on myspace. After some time, he and I began to simply have writing sessions. One of my first songs produced with him was a Christian song. I remembered leaving the studio one day and returning to a fully produced song with nice musical elements. I was blown away by what he created and his expedited turn around of the song. From there we kept writing. Often times, I would record melodic ideas on my phone, send them to Jermaine, and he would turn around a basic production of the song. From there, I would record my entire vocals and let him have his way. That was our process. He’s a genius. I finished my final song, the title song, no lie, September 5, 2016.

I AM THE STORM

Your album “My Name Is Támar”, had great critical praise and garnered sales in the U.S. and overseas, including Canada, Japan, Barcelona, the Netherlands, the UK… Is this the same type of sound that we can expect on your new album “I Am the Storm”? Thank you. My new album is completely new in sound and tone. I wanted to show my growth as not only a singer, but an actual producer. I forgot about all the stipulations that have been placed on me as a black singer, and stayed true to my favorite sounds of rock, pop, soul. I wanted to bring back the powerful ballads, thinking that one day an inspired singer would sing my songs on vocal competitions such as the Voice. On my first album, I didn’t think that way. I just wanted to get an album out to the public. But with this album, I stayed true to my uniqueness and my tenacity of not just sounding commercial, but sounding Támar. Do you plan on providing a lot of visuals for your album to help tell the story? This is one of my biggest challenges. But yes, yes, yes. I have just completed a video for the duet “Sweet Music” and I am excited at my new video team as we begin brainstroming visuals for “Gift of Goodbye” and “New Day.”

“WITH THIS ALBUM, I STAYED TRUE TO MY UNIQUENESS AND MY TENACITY OF NOT JUST SOUNDING COMMERCIAL, BUT SOUNDING TÁMAR.”

I’ve been recording this album for 7 years. Is there a standout track for you on the album? A so-called ‘skip to’ track? “New Day” and when I’m in need of encouragement, “Gift of Goodbye.” But when I am ready to blast my speakers and dance, I jam to “All Life Long.” 35

Could you sum up “I Am the Storm” in 5 words to give fans an idea of what to expect?

“Rock,

funky, nuanced, melodic, real”

Támar Davis tells us all

Please tell your fans 3 things you like/ 3 things you dislike. I like to read. I like to teach about the music business and I like french fries lol. I dislike negativity. I dislike when people approach me one way, but try to get more in return. I dislike when someone doesn’t pull through on their words. What motivates you in your career? In general, where do you draw inspiration for your sound? Is it more based off personal experiences or based off influences by other artists? There’s several things that I draw from: Lately, I’ve been drawing from the lack of diversity in the entertainment business. I have been saddened by so many gatekeepers holding this torch that flames for us all. I am motivated by my supporters, TamFam, who consistenly send me messages asking about the business and also being encouraged by me perservering in this ever-changing entertainment business. I am also inspired by what I don’t hear which is what I know I bring to the sound of music. Where there is a lack, God seems to have that answer to fill that void. And I feel through it all,

Jeremy Pope Photo

"I have learned to trust the gift God has given and doors have continued to open because I have stayed true to my sound." 36

How do you handle emotional pain?

Can you tell us about your group Girl's Tyme( which eventually became Destiny's Child) experience? I met Beyoncé and her family when I was around 9 years old in our hometown of Houston, TX during a vocal competition. I remebered being appraoched about a singing group and auditioning. I was accepted into the group and began traveling and recording with them. We were true little girls always having fun. After we performed on Star Search, I remembered alot of turmoil amonsgt the parents about new management and who who manage us. Being at that age, my protectors were my parents. And when my parents took me out of the group, I was back to being a solo artist.

I read...I mediate...I pray...I write in my journal, I sing with tears in my eyes, and sometimes, I go to a coffee shop and binge on great shows such as Atlanta, Family Feud, the Get Down, and Homeland. If I can hug my neices and nephew, that changes my mood immediately!

You’ve worked with Prince in the past. How did that come about? This is an entire story on its own. In a nut-shell, at the age of 14, I believe, my cousin passed a demo to Morris Hayes, Prince’s keyboardist. My mother and I were flown to Minneapolis and all I remember was walking the halls of Paisley Park and having photo shoots and recording a version of “Somehwere Over the Rainbow.” Needless to say, nothing happened then. Then in 2004, I was singing background for Tamia and while working with Tamia, I was blessed to work with Fatima Robinson. Fatima and I remained in touch over the year and out of nowhere, she contacted me to be involved in a video shoot. Needless to say, history was made. I met Prince...officially!

How does it feel to be A Grammy-Nominated artist? It’s so surreal. When I got the call that Prince and I were nominated for our co-written duet “Beautiful, Loved, and Blessed,” I immediatley went numb. Prince called me a few minutes later and asked me how I felt. But I knew emotionally and logistically I was trying to rationalize it. My album coproduced by Prince “Milk and Honey” was “shelved” but out of all songs he could’ve been nominated for, BLB (Beautiufl, Loved, and Blessed) was the song from his “3121” album, that received intial accolades. Wow...only God could’ve had that ram in the bush.

Do you think that influenced your style? Definitely...definitely. I knew I liked Tina Turner and rock, but I knew I loved Barbra Streisand, Whiteny Houston, Celine Dion, Nancy Wilson, and Ella Fitzgerald (to name a few). But working and learning and hanging with Prince taught me about me. He used to tell me all the time, “Támar one day all of them (women I idolized) will over the years. So in that, and in creating “I Am the Storm” I wanted to show more of my boldness and confidence by introducing my sound, Támars’ sound...and no one else’s and his influence is all there in my music and live performances. 37

What’s been one of your biggest lessons so far in your life? “There are many routes to your promised land.” Just because people don’t return emails or phone calls or follow through on their word, the more you keep going, God has someone else who will be obedient to do for you what others were supposed to do.

TMNexclusives

want to meet you.” That one statement has transpired

Ever thought in your career to give up music? I honestly never thought to give up music, but I have had thoughts to just get a music teaching job. It’s no joke being an indie artist. You are constantly seeking outlets, platforms to perform, radio stations to spin your music, while at the same time, not getting caught in the matrix of so many new outlets to get heard and be seen. I have finally rested in who I am and whose I am. You can’t take it away from me. As long as I have breath, I must keep going. I must keep seeking. I must keep doing. I must keep singing. I am going through all of this for others. I have created my own entertainment company Syren Music Group and initiatives, The Tamar Davis Project and The Syren Arts Academy, because there is a need for space for artists to truly be creative without being tied down and sugar-coated too about issues without being honest and transparent.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are many routes to your promised land.â&#x20AC;?

You are also an actress! What sort of acting have you done? Television shows? Movies? Theatre? All of them? I have performed in musical theatre all my life. I have been blessed to work with Mr. Tyler Perry on 5 of his stage plays, all set to DVD via LionsGate and right now, I am auditioning for television and film. I recently performed in the first national tour of Broadway’s “Motown the Musical” and I did have a guest role on “Boston Public” and have done some extra work, but deep down, I’m desiring for that break-out role. Are you dating anybody right now?

"I recently got married in March of 2016. I am absolutely on cloud 9 still..." How do you try to relax when you’re not being a workaholic? I have recenlty learned how to rest...literally. Stay at home and rest. And now of course, date nights are very frequent in my household! What are all of the countries that you’ve been to so far in your life? What are your favorite cities? My favorite, hands down, is SWITZERLAND. OMG...the beauty and the greenery and the hills and the stillness is priceless.

Doss Tidwell Photo 39

THE VOICE.

Doss Tidwell Photo What made you choose Christina Aguilera as your mentor? Blake Shelton also turned his chair around. I chose Christina because I thought it would be an interesting shift from the male mentorship I have been blessed with, to having a female mentor. And she is a powerful singer...I felt it would be great to get that female correction and attentiveness. Did it ever occur to you when you got up onstage that for whatever reason, none of the judges would be interested? I imagine it must have been pretty scary. Did you ever get stage fright?

I had stage fright on my very last performance, ironically. For some reason, I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel settled: from my wardrobe to my song to my hair. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel confident. And that had never happened before. How did you prepare for the show each week? I never actually prepared outside of resting and eating as best I could. I stayed away from dairy foods and specifically went to sleep playing yoga sounds. I tried to not over rehearse and over sing on my off days, 40

"Having a voice that can fill 3 stadiums and the moves of Tina Turner." New York Times

and when I had off days, I made sure to sign up for a slot in the vocal rehearsal room and let go. Do you think that the producers and the voters are really just looking for straight-up talent, or are things like image or age or marketability way more of a factor than they let on? I actually have no clue. They were some of the best people I have ever worked with. The energy from the vocal teachers to the producers to the contestants was perfect. The energy was always welcoming.

How has your everyday life changed since your audition for The Voice was aired? I cannot go anywhere without someone recognizing me. It is so weird. I can be coming from the gym or going into a beauty supply store and it’s a wrap. And of course, everyone says they voted for me. If you could perform with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? Barbra Streisand and Bruno Mars...and of course my favorite, PRINCE!

What’s the greatest lesson the show taught you?

“Just becuase the outcome was not what you expected, it’s a platform that continues to accelerate you to where you’re suppose to be.”

Do you have any kind of management, publishing or distribution team behind you? If so what are their responsibilities? As of now, outside of my legal team, I don’t. I am in need of an entire team. Up until this moment, it has been my family and I, and the powerful grass-roots marketing in word of mouth. So anyone who is interested, I am open for conversation. Great question...thank you for asking!

K E E L F #

“I let life and everything around me inspire me, and I immediately went to paper and pen.”

Our TMN team absolutely loved the video for #FLEEK who came up with the concept for the visual?

TMNexclusives

#Fleek was a project that I conceived in partenrship with a college media departemtn in Houston. Under my initiative The Tamar Davis Project, I wanted to work with young talent whereas they use their gifts on me, and in return I assist them to get visibility and opportunities. I knew that it would be a fun project and not too stressful, and I knew that after the Voice, I could not let alot of time lapse before I put something in the marketplace.

Aside from music, which we hope you’re making more of, what else do you have planned for the rest of 2016? Will you be taking a vacation? Ironically, I am doing some promo performances as of now until day of Christmas. But my second vacation is at the top of my list before the year ends.

“...who knows? Maybe I will be starring in my own tv show!”

What is the goal for 2017? Do you have any other projects lined up besides your album? I don’t have any immediate goals outside of more performances. My 6-week Syren Arts Academy will launch next summer as well. I am completing a memoir, which has been exhilarating and emotionally draining.

TÁMAR'S TOP TIPS

FOR ASPIRING ARTISTS

First, I have created V L O G S on my youtube channel educating aspiring talents about everything from copyright to performance techniques. Any and everyone should read about the music business. Whether you subscribe to a blog/vlog or read music sections in USA Today. You will be surprised at how your mind becomes inspired to create.

DO NOT COMPROMISE

Take a male or female guardian or someone you trust to every recording session and performance. And finally, don’t discuss business or personal issues that you have with others in the business. Find you that best friend who has no interest in your business and vent. I have seen innocent artist get caught in mess by discussing things that somehow get back to the very person you were talking about. And sometimes they are the very same people who can say “yes” or “no” to your next opportunity.

Doss Tidwell Photography

TOPMEGANEWS . COM

TÁMAR'S MESSAGE TO FANS ALL OVER

THE WORLD:

I ENJOY MY SUPPORTERS #TAMFAM. YOU KEEP ME INSPIRED. I READ EVERY MESSAGE AS FAST AS I CAN WHEN YOU WRITE ME. I ESPECIALLY APPRECIATE AND THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART FOR YOU LOYALTY. LET’S KEEP SHINING AND WALKING THROUGH OPEN DOORS!

GET CONNECTED www.tamardavis.com

http://topmeganews.com/topmega5/

TRENDS

TOP 5 NEW MUST-SEE MUSIC VIDEOS Artists including The Weeknd, Rae Sremmurd, Zara Larsson, SOLANGE and Robbie Williams have blessed our eyes and ears with their latest music videos!… by Weaver Ellen

ZARA LARSSON ‘AIN’T MY FAULT’ Zara Larsson continues her quest for world domination with a fierce video for her new track ‘Ain’t My Fault’.

INNA’S “SAY IT WITH YOUR BODY”

After months of teasers, Global Records finally released the online music video for Inna’s new song “Say It With Your Body”. Inna has confirmed this song will be a promotional single for her upcoming album. It follows her single release of “Heaven” earlier this year.

THE WEEKND ‘STARBOY’ The Weeknd has unveiled the dark and gritty music video for his new track ‘Starboy’, featuring Daft Punk.

TOPMEGA 5’S Top 5 lists for everything under (& including) entertainment, celebs, music…

In our minds, the music industry was simply colluding to make the beginning of the week more tolerable by unveiling a slew of new music videos to give us all the feels.

LADY GAGA "PERFECT ILLUSION" The “Perfect Illusion” clip debuted during the season premiere of Scream Queens, her friend Ryan Murphy’s outrageous horrorcomedy show, and the aesthetic mismatch couldn’t be greater.

SOLANGE “DON'T TOUCH MY HAIR” The Title of Solange's Empowering Anthem Says It All: "Don't Touch My Hair"

TOPMEGANEWS . COM

o T e d i u G r You : s e m a n k c i N Fan Base

Are you stumped when trying to remember what to call Lady GAGA followers? Don’t worry, TMN has you covered! From (A)rianators to Barb(Z), our guide to fan base nicknames will leave you wondering no more. Check them out the list below.

BEYONCE #BEYHIVE Beyonce‘s fan base calling themselves by the buzzworthy nickname Bey Hive, with the ‘Drunk in Love’ singer front and center as Queen Bey.

MILEY CYRUS #SMILERS

It’s cute. It is, at this stage of her career, almost tongue-in-cheek.

ONE DIRECTION #DIRECTIONERS

“The fans started the Directioners name early on in their career,” One Direction‘s publicist Simon Jones told The Atlantic. “Once it gets to a certain point, the band themselves start using it to refer to their fans and it explodes and takes on a new level.”

JUSTIN BIEBER #BELIEBERS

LADY GAGA #LITTLEMONSTERS

Justin Bieber‘s Beliebers were one of the Fans of Lady Gaga. Little Monsters are loyal to Lady first to kick off the fandom nickname trend, Gaga, buy her singles, t-shirts, posters, you name it. coming up with the perfect cross between Another name for Little Monsters are 'Super Fans' the word “believers” and the singer’s last named by Lady Gaga herself for fans who would name. literally do anything for her.

TAYLOR SWIFT #SWIFTIES

SELENA GOMEZ #SELENATORS

a cute play on the singer’s last name. The third scariest nation of fans after directioners and belibers. Swifties can find out most of Taylor's personal information.

Called the big fans of the beautiful Selena Gomez. It is one of the largest fanbases in the world with billions of fans. It is pronounced SILL-EEN-NUH-TER, but some may mispronounce it as sell-en-nat-or.

ARIANA GRANDE #ARIANATORS Like Selenators, Arianators managed the nearly impossible task of fitting their idol’s entire first name into their fan base nickname.

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BRUNO MARS #HOOLIGANS FLOSSTRADAMUS #HDYNATION NICK JONAS #NICKJONAS RICKY MARTIN #SEXYSOULS BRITNEY SPEARS #BRITNEYARMY PRETTY LIGHTS #PRETTYLIGHTS MEGHAN TRAINOR #MEGATRONZ WIZ KHALIFA #TAYLORGANG NICKI MINAJ #BARBZ DEMI LOVATO #LOVATICS BASSNECTAR #BASSHEADS HALSEY #HALSEY TAMAR DAVIS #TAMFAM FIFTH HARMONY #HARMONIZERS DADDY YANKEE #DYARMY PRINCE ROYCE #ROYCENATICAS KATY PERRY #KATYCATS JASON DERULO #DERULERS JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE #TIMBERLAKERS ROMEO SANTOS #ROMEISTAS DNCE #DNCE KESHA #ANIMALS MARIAH CAREY #LAMBS ELLIE GOULDING #GOULDDIGGERS 5 SECONDS OF SUMMER #5SOSFAM THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS #ECHELON SHAWN MENDES #MENDESARMY THE WEEKND #THEWEEKND SAM SMITH #LITTLESAILORS CODY SIMPSON #SIMPSONIZERS MARTIN GARRIX #GARRIXERS

ADAM LAMBERT #GLAMBERTS Derived from Adam's last name "Lambert" and made into "Glambert" because Adam is so. Glam. Adam Lambertâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Glamberts are among the most loyal and passionate people in the world! And our TMN team knows that Adam Lambert's super fans are incredibly supportive of him! The most awesomest fan base ever. Glamberts supports and loves Adam Lambert so much...No matter what! ED SHEERAN #SHEERIOS LITTLE MIX #MIXERS TOKIO HOTEL #ALIENS RIHANNA #RIHANNANAVY ADELE #DAYDREAMERS DRAKE #DRAKE ZAYN #ZQUAD EMINEM #STANS

JESSIE J #HEARTBEATS

CHRISTINA AGUILERA #FIGHTERS 47

the perfect PARTY t s i l y a l P 'Hey Ya'

- OUTKAST

'Get Lucky'

- DAFT PANK

'Let's Dance'

- DAVID BOWIE

'Gold Digger'

- KANYE WEST

'Crazy In Love'

- BEYONCE

'Rock With You'

- MICHAEL JACKSON

'Uptown Funk

- MARK RONSON

'I Wanna Be Your Lover

- PRINCE

'Sexy Back'

- JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

BEST FEMALE IN POP 2016 e u s s i T X E N In the

PHOTO: DANNY KAAN https://www.flickr.com/photos/102900012@N02/

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