Oct 2008 No.1
LIFESTYLE
INDUSTRY
FASHION
ENTERTAINMENT
D.O.B 31/10/08
Ms Tru Life Finalists 2008 10 types of a
ife Woman Sacha Brooks Rachel Moulden The Agytators
The Millionaire Equation Behind the Beats London Lady
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Contents Page
REGULARS
6 Editors Note 7 And a little bit extra 9 Inbox 10 London Lady 16 Drama’s Diary 25 Tru Life Playlist 26 Book Review 88 Behind the Beats 28 Tips & Tricks 86 Music Review 94 Tru Life Story
LIFESTYLE 13 14 24 30
Rudeye Dance Post holiday detox Loch Fyne The Millionaire Equation
INDUSTRY 32 36 40 43 46 48
The Agytators Community Cohesion Global Crisis A new Perspective Sabrina Ferro University Life
FASHION 52 54 68 72 76
Ms Tru Life Finalists 2008 10 types of a Tru Life woman Ellz Creationz FaCshion Handbag Hire HQ
ENTERTAINMENT 18 78 82 84 92
Rachel Moulden Lil Kiesha Raw Comedy Showcase Musiq Galaxy FM DJ Sacha Brooks
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TRU LIFE MAGAZINE www.trulifemagazine.com
Disorder, House of Fraser (Birmingham), Dune, Candy Store, Catherine Colbourne (Madame Minx collection madame.minx@live.co.uk),Borders (Bullring Birmingham), Urban Outfitters, Levis, Hatman, Schuh, Size, The Big Peg, Susan Morton & Jacqui Daniels
SPECIAL THANKS We just want to say thank you for your continued support and believing in the Tru Life dream.
JUSTICE WILLIAMS Editor In Chief MARY – JOYCE HARLEY PA to Editor In Chief FELIX Art Director Designer CONTRIBUTNG EDITOR Carrie Service ASSOCIATE EDITORS Hayley Kellerman Makeda St Juste Mary-Joyce Harley Dominique Gardiner COPY EDITOR Felicia McDonald RESEARCHER Dominique Gardiner CONTRIBUTORS & WRITERS Tamara Barton Campbell, Levi St Juste Vitesh Vithlani, Elishah St Juste, Mary-Joyce Harley Justice Williams, Nathania Atkinson Dominique Gardiner, Keisha Layne Nahshon McPherson - Writer of the month Leona Vernon, Rosemarie James Makeda St Juste PICTURES iStockphoto Charlotte Chapman Ellz Creationz Levi St Juste Simeon Thaw Mr. Mac PUBLISHING Inner City Creative Media Group Ltd PUBLIC RELATIONS TRU PR
Tru Life is a bi-monthly publication published by Inner City Creative Media Group Ltd. ©2008 reserved by Inner City Media Group Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior permission is strictly prohibited. Unsolicited material is submitted at the owners own risk and, whilst every care will be taken, Tru Life accepts no liability. All information correct at time of print. Tru Life Magazine Ltd registered no. 6647935 England, registered office address, 208 Lonsdale House, 52 Blucher Street, Birmingham B1 1QU. Tel: +44 (0) 121 616 5115 Fax: +44 (0) 121 643 2361. Email: info@trulifemagazine.com ISSN 1758-180X
some of the staff (left to right) 1.Carrie Service 2.Keisha Layne - Working lady of leisure. “If they can’t handle me at my worst, they don’t deserve me at my best.” 3.Leona Vernon 4.Dominique Gardiner aka DOM - Shoe and accessory addict, all round shopaholic “Everyday is a fashion show, so dress for your mood and enjoy the attention... Oh Gosh!” 5.Felicia McDonald - Copy editor. 6.Levi “KMD” St Juste - “Know My Desire” 7.Hayley Kellerman - First and foremost a Mommy, Artist Manager, Dancer, Model, Writer and friend. “You snooze you lose, that’s why I suffer from insomnia!” 8.Nathania Atkinson - Nathania “Triple Chocolate” Atkinson. “For chocolate lovers only, smooth dark and sweet” 9.Amee Sonecha - “Fashion is my hustle” 10.Rosemarie James aka ROSE- “Reasonable, Opinionated, Self-Confident and Enthusiastic” 11.Nashon McPherson aka MR. MAC - Photographer, videographer, writer “Life Camera action!”. “The strong move in silence, the weak resort to violence” 12.Mary-Joyce Harley aka MISS MJ - PA to the woman who made this wonderful magazine, writer and a Tru Life Princess! 13.Tamara Barton-Campbell - “Dream dreams and have visions...” 14.Vitesh Vithlani - “Urban Aura; Creativity is my meditation”. 15.Elishah St Juste aka DRAMA - Actor, dancer, facilitator, writer, director. “My life is a script, each day I turn a page”.
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If you have stumbled across this magazine and reading this note then we finally made it! Whilst you are reading the very FIRST issue of Tru Life Magazine, I should be in recovery in a dark quiet crevice somewhere in the universe! We have spent the last 6 weeks working 100 hours a week to bring you the highly anticipated premier edition of the magazine. Days became weeks and weeks became years since I first came up with the concept of the magazine. You see, I always walk around with a hardback notebook called Justice’s Book of Big Bright Sparks, but nobody was interested in any of my ideas. Then it dawned on me in 2005 when I was in the planning stages, that nobody actually had to be interested! I knew that with my confidene and self belief, I could execute the idea and it would happen. I had to live a Tru Life just like all of you, with only 24 hours in any given day. I was at university completing my Masters degree in Media Enterprise, running my own business, facilitating training sessions and workshops with young people, delivering a business start up programme, volunteering for over 20 hours a week!
editors note
Believe it or not I was actually happy and not many people can say that. Why you ask? I will tell you why, because I had a vision and the vision had a purpose. The purpose had a plan and then the plan was put to bed. Sometimes you need to put your dreams to sleep and wake them up when it is the right time for them to get up and get to work on time. Wake them up too early and they may still be tired and end up falling back to sleep. Leave them to sleep too long and they end up becoming lethargic and not maximising their full potential. I never once questioned the vision I had for Tru Life, but I knew it may have taken a few months to materialise. I was wrong as it was the longest ‘pregnancy’ ever (3 years to be precise) and the labour pains really hurt! But on 31st October 2008, my baby Tru Life was finally born. Looking fresh and wide eyed, I am so happy that she is here! We will be pleased to watch her grow, over the next few months and years to come. She will evolve and become her own being and learn from her past mistakes. She will look forward to the future, whilst not forgetting the past. She will acknowledge her purpose and learn to give and receive through the Tru Life Trust. Tru Life will have manners and etiquette like a Tru Life woman should, saying please and thank you and recognising those around her that will help her live up to her name with the Tru Life Awards. We are not just a magazine, we are brand and by the next issue, you will find out more and more about us. We are unique, fresh and DIFFERENT! Tru life Magazine is in the building people! It is a beautiful feeling. I hope you enjoy what you are about to read and now, I can finally get some sleep. Good night. www.amariahsworld.com
A little
bit
extra
The time is now 5am on Monday Wednesday 15th October. Send this one to all the TRU LIFE STAFF, DEADLINES PEOPLE. SNM (say no more) I am so tired that I can’t even write my part on this big white page. I wish I had a hand big enough to slap all those who didn’t get their articles in on time. No joke. THIS IS THE 1st TRU LIFE Magazine & I’m so happy that I can go to the editorial meeting and smile at all the people who made this possible. Justice we finally got here! I am meant to write allsorts of stuff here but the reality of designing means that 7am finishes, have left me tired like you wouldn’t believe. THANK YOU THAT THIS DAY HAS ARRIVED. Justice, you write too much and the fact that I want to stop writing means that my page will look a lot less than yours which makes me want to continue! I’m writing everything apart from what I intended to. The time is now 5:12am. Justice is on Facebook and I am about to save & send this over to the printers. Trust me when I say this is a turning point in the lives of a lot of BIRMINGHAM people. Hit me up on facebook. Felix Splashment. I’m off to breakfast, then bed.
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The Tru Life Trust www.trulifetrust.com Helping young women achieve their dreams Established in the summer of 2008, Tru Life Trust Fund is a grant making body set up by social enterprise Inner City Creative Media Group Ltd. Launching in April 2009, the trust will distribute grants exclusively to young women aged 16-30 facing disadvantage. Individuals can apply for grants from ÂŁ100 - ÂŁ1000, under one of the four categories: Business & Enterprise, Culture & Creativity, Youth & Community or Independent Living. Grants will be awarded on an ongoing basis and there is no closing date. To donate to the trust or become a patron or sponsor please get in touch. Email: info@trulifetrust.com
Got something you want to get of you chest? Read something in the magazine you want to share with the world? Do you have an opinion, comment, complaint or suggestion? Please let us know! Send your letters to editor@trulifemagazine.com Hi, I just wanted to briefly contact you to say what a great magazine Tru Life is. Initially the quality materials used for the magazine and design made it stand out from the rest of the free magazines on the shelf. I then began to read through the contents and I was completely drawn in and blown away!!! Everything I am about and aspire to be was reflected in this sample edition and I simply can’t wait to get my teeth into the official launched version. Reading the introduction page was a fantastic way to get an understanding of your target market and it felt refreshing to know that there are young women alike myself striving for success in life. Keep up the good work and I’m looking forward to future editions and events!! Becky xx
L
I must congratulate you on the production of this excellent magazine - I can see that you have put in a tremendous amount of work in terms of hours over the last 3 years to reach this point !! I think the magazine could appeal to women of all ages not just the 18-26 age group maybe that’s something to consider in future publications. I have artists in the future I would love to be featured in a high quality magazine like yours I can see you having a massive reader base over many years to come - if the high level of commitment you have put in so far is consistent !! You are one determined individual, just like me and I know you know just talking about your goals is not going to get you there, but hard work and extensive planning, marketing and selling is the paramount part of the media industry. There are those who just talk about what they want from life and there are those who work towards want they want from life with a passion. Congratulations on an excellent magazine, may God bless you and guide you into achieving your goals and dreams.
LETTER OF THE MONTH Dear Justice, All I want to say is that your magazine is wicked! You gave it to me this morning and it took me until I got on the train to go home to read it. I don’t know why I didn’t read this earlier! This is only the Pre Launch Sample Edition and it really inspired me. It showed me that you can actually follow your dreams and it is possible. I someday want to have my own business and be my own boss and until I came across the magazine it was only a dream for me. There is so much bad publicity for todays youth, that no one actually gives them a chance to do what they want and follow their dreams and ambitions. I believe that your magazine will bring a new light upon the youth of today and show them that they CAN BE whatever they want to be. Life is full of so many choices it is all about making the right ones. The tabloids are always full of negative stuff about ‘gangs of youths’ and violence. If there was more positive publicity of the younger generation then maybe we could have a chance to prove to the world what we are capable of. The problem is that all young people seem to get judged, stereotyped and labelled because of a minority of young people who do bad things. Thank you for giving me such a good outlook on life! By the way I will try them stretch exercises tomorrow morning at work (lol)! From Holz (the girl down the corridor) xxx
Letters to the Editor
Paris
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You are fashion! The definition of self stems from a journey of life experienced as an individual.
Much similar to Fashion, we wear our inner expression on our outer body. With this season’s trend of what I would describe as ‘Juxtaposed’ style, within the inner city of London. Back by popular demand let’s take a look at eighty’s inspired clothing; I’m talking clashing colours accompanied by oversized accessories as these are the accents you shouldn’t leave home without. A perfect and effortless way of dressing, however the statement is still contagious all the same. I believe we’re living in the current era of the Geek “Hear me out” …Thick framed sunglasses, Plimsolls and skinny jeans. Sound like anyone you know? A chunky gold plated rope chains, dungarees and an afro. I’m sure you’re familiar with this nerdy college look. Nowadays women are throwing out the stud in their lives and making way for the less obvious attractive male. Take a pinch of Pharell, infused with The Gym Class Heroes, low and behold a recreated Fashion movement. E=mc2= The Atomic Bomb = Geek (Stay with me) Even musically we have many followers. Wiley’s ‘Summertime’ video made a nostalgic look back in time... In the era of the Geek, Mr. Bentley plays the part of a perfect gentleman whilst Andre 2000 is crowned guru. Long live the Geek I say! So what is fashion exactly? They say a fashion statement lasts one to three years maximum. A great profit earner if you’re on the receiving end. But a drag if you’re an IT girl trying to stay ahead of it all. One minute you could be looking for a high street bargain on skinny jeans and the next
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thing you know flares are back in. It’s just forever changing, one season black is out and the next black becomes the new black. Maybe we should be individuals when it comes to style. Whoever said we need to be dictated to in that department. If like me you hate to enter a club and see someone in the same outfit then why not search out a unique image? A hint would be to experience a good old rummage in London’s Famous Portobello Market, redeveloping the off cuts and sewing odd buttons onto a homemade dress, honestly, as easy as it sounds is as easy as it is to create your own catwalk one off. Basically fashion is what you make it. Irrespective of body shape and size, tone shading you will suit something if you wear it well or in this case not. As long as you know who you are and are happy in your outer shell of clothing you will remain in style all year round. Like myself I’m sure you have a weakness for couture brands and the overly priced pieces, we use but once in a life time. My conclusion as simple as it sounds “Visually Attractive Garments” will always win …..Hands down! Spotlight* Recommended London designers VA-G VA-G is a brand new, original and innovative clothing range to explode out of the UK. In the summer of 2007 designers Vidal Bull Jr and Alan Adewale caused chaos within the Fashion industry with their Unique style of clothing. Different to anything previous in its creation you will be sure to make any passer-by envious. www.myspace.com/vagarments Facebook: VA-G
Words: Tamara
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Professional Portfolios
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LIVE
RUDEYE
The UK’s number one professional dance agency is proud to present the world’s first LIVE weekly online dance classes!
Rudeye Live is your very own dance class taken from the comfort of your own home, streamed live over the internet from a dance studio in central London the live classes take place weekdays at 7pm & Saturdays 6.15pm. The Rudeye Live online classes are taken by top choreographers Stuart Bishop and Charlotte Stevens from Rudeye Agency (MTV, Kanye West, Geri Haliwell, Prince, Playstation 3) Each class Stuart and Charlotte take you step by step through some of the hottest moves of today -Street Dance, Jazz, Locking, Popping and Robotics (as seen in movies such as ‘Step up 2 (The Streets’), creating a mega funky ‘Fusion Funk’ routine suitable for ‘All Levels’. The Rudeye Live dance classes are a perfect way to keep the internet crazed generation of today fit and active whilst having fun and building confidence. From the safety of your home computer or laptop you can now take classes from some of the UK’s hottest choreographers of today. Rudeye Live classes are FREE for September & October (normal price £1 per class) with no joining, membership fee’s or travel costs, Rudeye Live online classes are the next big thing. Each Rudeye Live class is also available from www.rudeyestore.com after airing live to download and watch whenever you like. No matter where in the world you are, Rudeye Live classes are only a click away, log on to www.rudeye.com/live NOW to be a part of the latest online phenomenon!!!!!!!
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PO ST
HolidayDetox
At this time of year people panic about how to undo holiday indulgences; the excessive eating, binge drinking and sleep deprivation brought on by the “party” frenzy. You look in the mirror and see a rather pasty, tired face staring back. Well, what you see on the outside is merely a reflection of the stored-up toxins (salt, sugar, alcohol, and caffeine) having their own holiday party inside. Detoxing is not a new invention and most societies and religions have times of dietary abstention which allow the body (and spirit) to revitalise and ‘detox’. For your body’s system to perform to its maximum potential, toxins need to be flushed out. Although glasses upon glasses of water will help, fluid intake should not be your sole weapon in battling those nasties that leave you feeling fatigued and generally unhealthy. Take a reasonably brisk half hour walk each day rather than an intense workout in the gym. Eat as much as you want to satisfy your hunger but only from the recommended foods. Make sure you also get eight hours sleep each night, and take the time to pamper yourself or learn a new technique such as meditation. To purify your system while restoring essential vitamins and minerals, try a regime of fruit juices in the morning and afternoon along with a healthy, balanced diet. Start your weekend on Friday evening after work and plan to take it easy over the weekend.
Foods to include in a healthy detox: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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Fruit & Vegetables Fruit juice – either homemade, smoothies from fresh fruit or drink ready- made juices. Make sure ready-made juices are labelled as being ‘pure’ or ‘unsweetened’. Beans and lentils Tofu and Quorn Oats, Rye crackers, rice cakes & oatcakes Potatoes Brown rice Fresh fish Unsalted nuts & Seeds Plain popcorn, without sugar or salt Live natural yoghurt Garlic, ginger and fresh herbs Ground black pepper Water – at least 2 litres a day. Herbal or fruit teas
lifestyle
Some meal time suggestions: Breakfasts
Banana porridge. Porridge made with water and topped with natural yoghurt, banana, and raisins. Fruit salad with yoghurt and oats. Fresh fruit salad with natural yoghurt and a sprinkling of oats. Fresh fruit smoothie. Fruit smoothie made from fresh fruit, natural yoghurt and honey to sweeten if needed
Lunches
Vegetable soup and oatcakes. Large bowl of vegetable or lentil soup (either homemade or supermarket ‘fresh’) with oatcakes. Grilled Cod Fillets.Grilled cod fillet served with a jacket potato and lightly steamed vegetables. Grilled Tuna & Green Salad. Varied green leaves dressed with lemon and balsamic vinegar and flakes of fresh grilled tuna.
Dinners
Chinese vegetable stir fry. Stir fry a selection of vegetables such as spring onions, mushrooms, bamboo shoots and bean sprouts in a little olive oil with garlic and ginger and a dash of soy sauce. Serve with brown rice. Potato and bean casserole. Gently fry a selection of typical casserole vegetables such as onion, carrots and parsnip in a little olive oil with garlic. Steamed or grilled fish. Steamed or grilled fish, flavoured with ginger, garlic and fresh coriander, serve with lots of steamed vegetables dressed with two
>>>What next?
It’s back to work on Monday and you should be feeling refreshed and revitalised. Before sinking back into old habits see what positive benefits you can take forward with you into the week. After all, the point of this detox is to act as a springboard to healthy eating. Aim to snack on fresh fruit, nuts and seeds instead of a Danish or biscuits. Keep up drinking herbal tea or coffee substitutes at least half of the time to reduce your dependency on caffeine. Make at least one meal a day vegetarian based on pulses, beans, and salads, without too much cheese, butter and meat featuring in your day. And vary your grains from wheat to incorporate other grains such as rye, oats, rice and barley. Words: Keisha
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Drama’s Diary
“Acting is my life, so the world is my stage. Everyday I get closer to my dream, like turning a scripts page!” Hey people, welcome to Drama’s Diary. The Column that follows my whereabouts in the world of acting and performance, answer any questions you may have related to the industry. For those of you who don’t know me…I go by the name of Drama (hence the name of this column). I was given the name nearly ten years ago by one of my close friends at the time. He gave me the name Drama due to my dramatic personality and the fact that I was always entertaining everyone around me even though I wasn’t trying to. I guess talent like this just comes naturally to me! Lol! (Laugh Out Loud for those who don’t know what that means, and if you don’t please get with the times)! No…I am not being big headed! I didn’t get my creative skills at this level through a university degree or drama school. I nurtured most of my skills through experience from working with drama & theatre companies and through creating my own material. Anyway, since that day the name stuck and became contagious, my birth name being pushed into the background. I have been acting from the age of nine when I was a member of the local drama group in Harborne (my area at the time). I used to teach the games and plays I learnt there to my cousins, which we then adapted and produced new plays to perform to my aunty and other family members randomly. I know creative, crazy kids! I love to act, create sketches, I even dance too. I just need to brush up my vocals and I’ll be an all-round performing artist! I am forever acting, everyday is like a variety sketch show. Being different characters, putting on different accents but people find it hard to take me serious …they don’t know when I’m not acting. So when I am actually being serious, they think I’m acting which is a bit of a downside to my playing around but it makes people laugh and smile and that makes me happy. I thrive off entertaining people, “acting is my life and the world is my stage!” I have done quite a bit of acting but still have so much left to achieve. To name but a few I’ve appeared in Doctors (BBC1), I was a clubber in the mc battle scene in ‘Life & Lyrics (feature film). I also appeared in ‘Dubplate Drama’ (MTV) as a model/dancer in the scene of Mike GLC’s music video filmed by Pressure (Shystie) and also appearing in ‘Mayo’ (BBC 1), and ‘On Road’ (Diamond Bullet films/Hard Dough Productions). All these parts were supporting roles; to date I haven’t had a main role in TV or film as my main focus and love is and always has been theatre. I’ve recently finished touring around prisons and theatres with a play and drama workshops entitled “Say goodnight to the bad guy” inspired by ‘Scarface’ and produced by ‘Rideout’ (creative arts rehabilitation), an experience I will never forget! Acting in prisons is a whole lot different to acting in a theatre….prisoners are very vocal, especially to the female form, but it taught me a lot and definitely tested my focus skills! I have a few projects in the pipeline, one being my next big play ‘Angry Black Boy’ coming to a theatre near you in 2009. Also weekly drama and performance workshops for 1625 year olds funded by the Prince’ Trust and ‘The Kidz Performing Arts Academy’ for the younger ones (ages 4-11years). I am constantly looking for actors, stage managers and backstage hands, etc. So send me your details, forward your questions, comments, or request more information by emailing me at info@shalomstreettheatre.co.uk. See you next issue! Mwaah! x
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Words: Drama
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a
Rachel Moulden is no angel. Born on November 10th 1983, this 24 year old Scorpio is under no illusion that she is fault free. Rachel’s music is more a verbalisation of her thoughts than a series of pre-conceived lyrics. Her songs are emotionally loaded. Her delivery often gives the impression she is talking to herself and the listener simultaneously. Her literary dexterity became apparent at an early age and her affinity with the English language is inherent in her music. She writes and sings with breathtaking emotional clarity. Sincerity and sarcasm are both abundant throughout her material. There are clearly many different sides to this artist, none of which she is afraid to reveal through her music. Her music isn’t written with an “aim to please” attitude or to fit in with anybody’s expectations. It’s a personal outpouring that audiences from all walks of life can appreciate. With her music in my daily playlist, I had to get up close and personal with Birmingham based singer Rachel Moulden.
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RACHEL
8
M o u l d e N
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Most people do not know but I went to a tiny little primary school with about six people in my year. After college I moved out of the family home and went to Ghana for four months to do conservation work then moved to Birmingham. If I had animals, warming and the
a million pounds to donate to a good cause it would be something to do with the rainforest or conservation. All this business about deforestation and global really bothers me…I mean people are important but I grew up around animals environment.
So why did you choose to seek out a career within the music industry? I have always loved singing. People always say to me ‘When did you start singing?’ and I find that a really odd question to answer, but I think it was the last couple of years at school when I had to do my GCSE’s. I couldn’t play a musical instrument particularly well so I decided to sing. People started to notice and started telling me that I was quite good. Some of my friends are musical and as I grew older many of them became DJ’s, so I decided to take that on as well. I have always loved music but it is not until you get older you realise that this is what you really want to do. So you are also a DJ? Well I thought it was really cool and a lot of my DJ friends played out a lot, so I got to know some of the DJ’s in Worcester where I am originally from. My friend had a pair of decks that I used to practice on and found it quite easy, so I went out and bought some myself and kept practising and then I wanted to play out as soon as I had enough records. About six months later I got myself a residency at a club in Worcester. Like many unsigned artists trying to establish themselves within the British Music industry, paid work is hard to come by. It is important to understand that you still need to pay your bills. For the past two and a half years I have been a buyer for Nivea. When I moved to Birmingham, I assumed there was a big market for urban music (Hip-Hop, R&B, Dancehall Reggae, Garage). But I did not know that to play that sort of music in Birmingham there were limited opportunities, due to the amount of trouble that you seem to get. I moved to Birmingham because I was bored of where I was and that’s when I got the job at Nivea. It is a really great job which makes the decision I am about to make even harder, which is to leave and pursue my music career full time. I haven’t got any deals lined up or anything but I just feel I cannot focus properly. What do you think it takes to be a successful artist in the UK music industry? At the moment is seems to be females doing old time soul music which is fine because there are elements of that in what I do, but I wouldn’t like to be put in a box. If I should be lucky enough to get so far within the music industry to be put in a box, I would not like to be classed as that. Like you know Duffy and Amy Winehouse, but I think it is good music. We have been through the Vengaboys and Steps! Now that was a bad time for British music (we both laugh)! It was a good song at the time! Who inspires you musically?Jill (Scott) is obviously one of them she is just amazing, D’Angelo, Dwele, Eva Cassidy, but on the more acoustic side, David Gray, Norah Jones. My song ‘Carefully’ is kind of Radio 2, Norah Jones style, Tribe called quest, Q-Tip, Kayne West and when I am in the club I love listening to Hip Hop but I am not going to try and write Hop Hop tracks.
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How would you describe your sound? It does differ, I write music differently, for example if I sit down with my guitar and write something, I am quite limited because I can only play basic stuff I will come up with the ‘Carefully’ type of song or ‘Switching Lanes’ that kind of acoustic vibes. But if I get in the studio with someone and they give me a Hip Hop or R&B beat then it is a whole different vibe. But there is one thing that pulls my different styles together and that is me so yeah, it varies. If you had to choose to play the guitar, DJ or sing, what would it be? Without hesitation I would sing. Who are you currently working with? I have worked with Jamie Duggan and I have been featured on a Ministry of Sound compilation. I have worked with and I am still working with Alex Wheeler (producer). I found him randomly on the internet. Just because I was looking for producers I put an ad out on the internet and we met up. I have been working with him for 4-5 years and we have a chemistry in the studio. He knows what works well with me and vice versa. Also, I have collaborated with Clive Thomas in London. He is wicked and he has a forthcoming album that will be featuring Lemar, Terri Walker and a few others including myself, maybe Sway. More recently, DJ Q and also KMD (Seriously Hectic Records). I just want to get as many different perspectives on my music at possible so I have just given him (KMD) ‘Switching Lanes’ and I really want him to reconstruct it in his own way to see what comes out of it. There is a Reggae track that we recently did as well, which is the first time I have ever done Reggae! Who would you like to work with in the future? I would love to work with Dwele and also Eric Cire. He heard ‘Switching Lanes’ and may end up featuring on the track. Also unless someone is having me on, Carl Thomas (Grammy Award Nominee) has messaged me on MySpace, saying my music is wonderful and amazing and we should collaborate. How would you measure success in your career? I have always disliked the business side of the industry. I would just like to get in front of a crowd of people who just know my stuff, like really well, the words and everything and just want to know more about me and my music. I just want recognition for my music. If I could get by just doing music, not necessarily rolling around in money, but really touching people with my music, then that would be success for me. Rumour has it there has been some major label interest? I am always trying to push myself to different people, such as DJ’s and promoters, MySpace is good for networking as well. DJ B from 1xtra heard my stuff because to start off with, a really good friend of mine was pushing the soul stuff of mine to him, as those were the tracks that my friend really liked. But DJ B went onto my MySpace and heard ‘Switching lanes’ and that’s his favourite. He felt that it was a No. 1 hit! He took it to Polydor and Island Records and the A&R seem to really like it. Then I went into the studio to do something for DJ Ironik, which unfortunately didn’t end up getting used for his album, but Matt Chalk from Warner Music heard ‘Switching lanes’ and he really liked it as well! There are people that are really interested and I think things are quietly bubbling under the surface, but who knows! Words: Justice Become a fan of Rachel on Facebook ‘Rachel Moulden’ or check her out on www.myspace.com/rachelmoulden www.trulifemagazine.com
LOCH FYNE
With an original ‘small town’ feel to it, my initial thoughts were that LOCH FYNE was a privately owned, unique restaurant. However, I later discovered this little upscale eatery in Sutton Coldfield is one of 45 restaurants built on the ethos of “good food, sustainably sourced and simply presented by people who care”. I feel the commitment to these values is what sets this restaurant apart from other franchised venues. The food was good, both on the palate and the conscience; the presentation was uncomplicated; and the waiting staff were polite and accommodating. We were out for a birthday meal, and my wallet had been prepped accordingly – be aware, this is not a set budget, Nando’s-esque economy diner! Outside the £11 lunchtime selection, the prices will leave a bruise on your pocket as strong as the tastes in your mouth. However, after the first bite, you know it has been money well spent - elegant cuisine and fresh flavours come as standard. So too does that intangible feeling of importance. The small details, often disregarded by other venues, have all been considered – from the velvet-soft butter, to the matching soap and hand cream in the restrooms (no more dry hands during my meal!). Going straight for the jugular, we skipped entrées and dove right into the mains. I had the Loch Fyne Ashet [£12] (a selection of three types of organic smoked salmon) alongside new potatoes [£2.50] and seasonal vegetables [£2.50]. Perfectly complimented by fresh lemon juice and the steamed veg, the three exquisite, yet unique flavours went to work on my tastebuds. But all condiments and accompaniments aside, the fish alone spoke for itself,
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proving that good sourcing of food is the most important part of any dish. After all, they didn’t build the pyramids with matchsticks and sticky-back plastic. As my guest carefully cracked and scraped her way through her Scottish lobster and truffle mayonnaise [£15 for a half] with a side of mash [£2.50], all conversation diminished. Totally fixed on her meal, her face was a portrait of delectable delight. Between the flying crustacean shrapnel and satisfied mouthfuls, I was, however, able to coax a few adjectives from her: including “delicious” and “so soft” (or that may have been “back off!”). Unfortunately, the song and dance that was our meal was briefly interrupted by the relatively poor mashed potatoes. Riddled with lumps the size of baby fists, it seemed they’d forgotten to actually ‘mash’ the mash… or include any flavour for that matter. Washed down with a crisp house Pinot grigio, this was a fine meal enjoyed in pleasant surroundings. By doing the simple things exceedingly well, LOCH FYNE doesn’t have to impress (or distract) with gimmicks. Overall, my guest and I were more than satisfied - a Fyne day was had by all…
Come Over - Estelle ft. Sean Paul Can’t Be - John Legend ft. Buju Banton Magic (remix) - Robin Legend ft. Mary J Blige Girls All Around My World - Lloyd ft. Lil Wayne Dangerous (remix) - Kardinal Offishall ft. Akon & Sean Paul Paper Planes - M.I.A Swagger Like Us (remix) - T.I ft. Kanye West, Jay Z and Lil Wayne Arab Money - Busta Rhymes Pop Champaign - Ron Brownz ft. Jim Jones and Juelz Santana Jockin’ Jay Z - Jay Z Mrs. Officer - Bobby Valentino ft. Lil Wayne Love Locked Down - Kanye West Universal Mind Control - Common ft Pharrell
Words: Mr. Mac
Rambo - Jazzy B ft. Kanwar Tic Toc - Busy Signal Work Out Riddim - Various Day & Night - Kid Cudi Turn Down The Lights - Benny Page Original Ninja - Taxman Eastern Jam - Chase & Status www.trulifemagazine.com
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Use me or Lose me. Marryann Reid
A junior correspondent to NBC News, she has always taken the fast track to love and success. Now she’s determined to climb to the top of the media ladder, and she’s willing to use every weapon in her considerable arsenal to do so. Then Farah meets Lenox Whitworth, a powerful, oh-so-fine lawyer who steps in to negotiate the station’s contracts. But what he sees in her is the kind of sophisticated woman he needs and wants on his arm, in his life, and in his bed. And Farah, sensing a prime opportunity, allows this powerful, handsome brother to truly introduce her to the wicked indulgences of the rich and glamorous as he influences her career behind the scenes. They both believe that they’ve got a handle on a good thing, but they’re both about to realise that they’ve met their match in each other. Filled with love, sex, drama and glamour, Farah and Lenox take you on a wild ride. Available at Amazon.com and www.maryannreidinc.com This book will keep you gripped until the very end, one of the fastest book I have ever read! 4/5 stars Are you a writer or published a book and what to get it featured here? Email lifestyle@ trulifemagazine.com
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TIPS
I am sure that at one time or another we have read something that guarantees to help us with our general lifestyle and well being but were mere page fillers and did not actually follow through on its promise. This page is dedicated to you, the reader to unite with other women and give each other (and us behind the scenes) essential ‘Tips and Tricks’ that you know work and will help with anything from applying make-up to getting limber. If you know something that may be in any way helpful to other ladies, we want to hear about it. All suggestions printed, whether in the next issue or in a years time, will be rewarded with an exclusive invite with a friend to our elite bi-monthly magazine party. Those who are published in the next issue will be attending our “Crowning of Miss Tru Life 2008”, an event not to be missed. Send your suggestions to mj@trulifemagazine.com Now I know you’ve read and heard this before but that is because it is 110% true!!! Water is nature’s beauty supply. Ensuring that you drink plenty of water everyday assists with eliminating your bodies’ toxins as well as improving your skins texture and tone. Additionally drinking water in abundance will keep you mentally refreshed and hydrated for all round positive well being.
If you are disciplined enough to have wine left over after a get together or party, you can actually freeze it into ice cubes and utilise it for cooking when needed. No more pouring wasted wine down the drain grudgingly. (Left over wine I hear you say? Yeah right)! Scent is strongly linked to memory so why not wear a perfume that means something to you or that you feel represents you rather than just the latest release or what you’re used to? Whether it’s your boyfriend or little daughter, they will associate that perfume with you and positive thoughts will naturally flow.
Can not afford £20 smudge proof eyeliner? Simply grab your current eye pencil and a lighter (be careful please ladies, we do not want Tru Life Magazine to be responsible for accidental arson) and burn the pencil tip. This dries some of the moisture from the liner which helps prevent that unwanted Dracula look.
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Written by: Mary-Joyce Harley
Replacing your morning coffee with freshly squeezed juice of a lemon, hot water and added honey to suit your taste will give your body a daily detox effect. Pure lemon juice also helps break down fat digested throughout the day as well as improving skin clarity, while honey is a natural metabolism booster.
BRUMTOWN
BABY
by Levi St Juste CUSTOMISED T SHIRT’S / HOODIES HATS / CAPS / BAGS...
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07886770904
Millionaire Equation
A Dream + A Team + A Theme
= Millionaire Streams
Dream:
Attracting mentors and masterminding partners to help make your dream a reality. So who are yours?
Theme:
Building the millionaire mindset takes self confidence and a burning desire. So what is yours?
Team:
Every 60 seconds, someone in the world becomes a millionaire. That is right. A new millionaire is created every minute of every single day. There are literally millions of millionaires. Some of these millionaires took 60 seconds to accumulate their wealth. Others took less than a year, some, it takes a life time
Selecting and applying one or more of the millionaire models. According to the Butterfly Effect, as we explained, the tiny flutter of a butterfly’s wings as it bounces gently on the breeze can create enormous changes halfway around the world. Drawing on this respected scientific theory, we believe you accomplish amazing things with your life - even become a millionaire – using a carefully designed system of focused actions delivered in 60second increments. We call each of these million-pound flutters a Millionaire Minute. Now invest but a few minutes as you start to flutter your wings and prepare to take
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lifestyle
ON THE WINGS OF THE
>>>
ENLIGHTENED
MILLIONAIRE
flight.Flutter 1. The Enlightened Millionaire Decision
Flutter 3. The Enlightened Millionaire Pattern
Everywhere you look, even in these economic times of uncertainty, growing numbers of people are feasting on incredible banquets of prosperity – while most of the rest settle for the crumbs that fall from the table. The journey to financial freedom starts the MINUTE you decide that you were destined for prosperity, not scarcity – for abundance, not lack. Isn’t there a part of you that has always known this? Can you see yourself living a bounteous life – a life of “more than enough”? It only takes a MINUTE to decide. Decide now.
How many times will you spend money today? Three? Four? Five times? Rich people look at these money transactions differently than most people. Millionaires have a special pattern – a unique way they spend money. During each money transaction, they invest an extra minute. This extra minute makes them rich. That’s why we call it a Millionaire Minute. Would you invest an extra minute during each of your money transactions today if you knew it could make you a millionaire?
Flutter 2. The Enlightened Millionaire Idea Have you ever had an idea for a new product or service? Then, a short time later, you discover that someone else has beaten you to it. They’re making millions from your idea! Realise that almost every day you have a new million-pound idea floating around your head, even this very moment that you simply need to become aware of? The minute you become aware of it, you’re a One Minute Millionaire. But awareness is not enough. You need to act on it.
Flutter 4. The Enlightened Millionaire Technique The aire one tion, you at a
entire process of becoming a millioncan be broken down into bite-sized, minute techniques. In this future secwe will teach you lots of them. Yes, can become a millionaire one minute time.
Flutter 5. The Enlightened Millionaire Moment A moment occurs in every millionaire’s career when everything hangs in the balance - when the temptation exists to turn back. For many, this moment occurs after a devastating defeat or extraordinary failure. Will you be ready for your millionaire moment? When it happens, take a minute. Draw a deep breath. Take another step forward. Flutter 6. The Enlightened Millionaire Threshold All great contests come down to the final minute – the last step you take across the finish line – the final pound that puts you over the top. Won’t that minute be exciting? Adapted from ‘The One Minute MillionVictor Hansen
www.trulifemagazine.com are’ by Mark
coco black
is a super human artist that is trying to bring back quality, inspire, and change the face of the art world for the better. Along with her partner in crime, Melly Shabazz and her Lovemakers, she is building a Coco Army that will combat what is negative, and promote love, truth, and freedom of expression. She is simultaneously from the past, present and future and it working to bridge the gap. Her canvas is photography, film, and music but who knows what the future may hold.
?Who are the Agytators//
CB: The Agytator’s are an ideology and belief system with real people behind it. We are your “new” artists that are “agitating” the status quo of the art and entertainment world because we are mastering multiple crafts right now and all at the same time… and letting people know about it. We are photographers, filmmakers, and musicians (and whatever else choose to be) that refuse to be put in a box. Everyone told us that we would only be taken seriously if we did one thing – we basically told them to stick it! MS: The Agytators are Melly Shabazz and Coco Black. We are multi-disciplinary artists striving to combat the mundane.
?How did you guys (Coco & Melly) get together// CB: We met at college in 2005 but didn’t really get talking until 2006. I was working on my senior thesis film. We started hanging out and Melly showed me her film reel, and I was supremely impressed. Even though she was not taking film at the time, I knew that I had to have her on my team 32
so that is what we did. She was the sound person on set, and the chief editor of the film. We won filmmaker of the year for that so we must’ve done something right! Right? The rest is history.
?Who or what influences your music style// CB: It’s never straightforward. I’m a magazine and internet junkie so I am always inadvertently searching for things that can inspire. For me, the music I create is dependent on many factors – the people in my life, what I am going through personally, what I am hearing (not just music), and what I am seeing. I am very inspired by fashion, style, films, photography and other visual mediums. It’s like taking an image and putting a sound to it. The reverse is taking sound and putting an image to it. I see in sounds. Of course, I do listen to music – mostly stuff from the 50’s through early 80’s. Not too inspired by the popular music of today. MS: My life influences me. You know, the situations I encounter--What I see. What I hear. What I touch. What touches me. Mix
industry
MELLY SHABAZZ
is a visual artist---she’s also a music creator and performer. If she had her way, she would own several (fashion) houses with one of the residences exclusively dedicated to her vintage clothes collection. Being since she doesn’t have the money to purchase the house or the vintage clothes to fill it, she must settle for modest Ebay finds and meagre thrift store purchases--but all is not lost! With persistent dedication to her crafts of choice, she has the high hopes of making her dream deferred a reality. It should be an interesting ride!
that with some down home soul music, sticky funk, a hint of jazz, a whole lotta rock and roll, and a dab of this pop culture vortex we exist within---and you have a wonderfully marvellous palette with which to construct songs. Don’t you think?
?What is a typical day like for you// CB: I am currently trying to get more organised because doing freelance means that you make your own schedule. That can work for you or against you depending on your discipline. An ideal day, the days I am currently trying to adopt, sees me waking around 8:30AM, checking emails. Of course you gotta check all of the other social networking outlets/blog because those are huge in helping us do what we do. I do some research for the day, discover new artists and inspirations. Check in with Melly to discuss our upcoming projects plans for execution. Work on some music… probably have some meetings. At night we’ll go out with friends to some parties if we are not throwing one because it’s important for us to be on the scene. Typically, we’ll be travelling much more now too.
Oh yes! Somewhere in that day I will be on E-bay for a hot minute because I’m absolutely addicted. MS: I wish my day could start off like Akeem’s day in ‘Coming to America’—that guy had it made! (Can you guys put a link to the youtube video so folks can know what I’m talking about?) An orchestral serenade awakens him. Beautiful women servants adorn his path with rose petals after which they feed him breakfast. It would be the perfect beginning to any day! Fantasy aside, a typical day in the life of Melly Shabazz consists of Work!!!! Work!!! Work--I’m so blunted on reality.
?How would you define success and what does it mean to you// CB: Success is doing what you love well and getting the due credit for it. We are always aiming for success because we have a bar that we refuse to drop below. But being successful is a 25 hour a day, 8 days a week job. You can have all the talent and no exposure, or vice versa. There are so many variables. Success for me means >
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battling it out to find the right ingredients for you and your agenda, and once you touch on it, milk it for all it worth. MS: Success is achieving your goals with grace and dignity. Success is also having goals that are worth obtaining. A lot of people want to be rich so they can ball out of control, you know, have the fancy cars, neck full of stones, money to toss out of the sunroof. But in all sincerity, that’s not a goal worth having. When you have a goal worth having and you achieve it with grace, dignity, and exquisite style—that’s success.
?What social issues are close to your heart// CB: Equality and equal opportunity. MS: Educational reform is an issue that’s extremely close to heart. In the states, educational reform means cutting funds for education. It’s totally ridiculous! We can’t progress as the human race without education. Believe it or not, Whitney Houston was dropping knowledge on The Greatest Love of All. The children are our future. In a few years, the non-educated youth become disgruntled, non-educated adults. And you think we have problems now. Social Networking, Web 2.0 and new media have become one of the main forms of communicating, especially amongst young people. ?How important is technology to you and promoting yourself and your talents// CB: Technology and the internet has been a godsend – it makes it so simple to reach people and really communicate. And you can do it for free! Not only does it let people know that you are out there, but it also showcases your work and what you do and generates business. We are only beginning to harness that power – watch this space! MS: In terms of importance in The Agytators, technology comes second only to our talent. The web is our portal to the world and it’s worlds less expensive than a plane ticket. ?Do you think ambition is important in life? Why// CB: Ambition is what has got us to this point, and what will soon carry us to the stratosphere and beyond. We are just 34
scratching the surface of what we can and will do, and ambition has kept us motivated and expecting more of ourselves. We have dreams, and the people that make dreams come true are the ambitious ones – not the ones that rest on their laurels and wait for someone to give them what they want on a silver platter. You have to create opportunities. You can’t live without ambition if you want to distinguish yourself from the crowd. MS: Ambition is a productive life fuel. Without it, you’re not going anywhere.
?What have you got planned for the next 6 months// CB: Well, Spring 2009 is going to be big for us. We are finally releasing some of our music, and having a pretty big photo exhibition that we are currently planning. It will be amazing and innovative so we are excited. But, all in all we are just going to continue what we have been doing. Like I said, we will be travelling more for video and photo jobs, perfecting our crafts and enjoying life. If 2008 was laying down the foundation, 2009 will be making the dreams a reality. I can already feel it. MS: Working on our music is top priority. We also have a photo series that we want to release in the first quarter of next year that includes some pretty high profile underground/industry women musicians. You’ll have to stay tuned for more details. With Love. Coco Black & Melly Shabazz. You can stay up to date with us by checking out our blog, MySpace and a website will be going up soon! www.theagytators.com www.theagytators.blogspot.com www.myspace.com/theagytaors Thank you. Words: Justice
industry
RUDEYE
LIVE
‘The World’s first live weekly online dance classes’
www.rudeye.com/live www.trulifemagazine.com With original choreography and music by Rudeye
Community Cohesion Promoted With Resident Appointments Urban Living, the Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder for Birmingham and Sandwell, has strengthened its commitment to promoting community cohesion with two appointments. Pathfinder residents Sophia Coker and Mashkura Begum both joined as community cohesion engagement executives, and are responsible for commissioning community based projects and supporting them on the ground. Both are working closely with members of the local community to implement the organisation’s community cohesion strategy. Projects include working with local artists, supporting sporting events and programmes to promote skills and training for local residents to improve their prospects and employability. Commenting on the appointments, Peter Latchford, chairman of Urban Living, said: “Sophia and Mashkura are valuable additions to the team. They are not only highly talented individuals who bring additional energy and skills to the team - they are also local residents with a long term knowledge of, and involvement in, local issues. Their appointment demonstrates our strong commitment to improving community cohesion and engaging communities in the Urban Living area. “ Sophia is a Handsworth resident herself and has a first class honours degree in Management and Communications from Birmingham City University (UCE). Since she graduated she has worked across various community projects in Birmingham, including with the Youth Rights Commission. “As part of my role, I‘m responsible for supporting projects on the ground. Being a local resident I know we can make a real difference and I am passionate about the work that Urban Living is doing within the 36
community,” said Sophia. A Law graduate from Birmingham University and originally from Aston in Birmingham, Mashkura brings a wealth of experience to her role from working with communities across the West Midlands. Previous positions include team leader for Black Country Connexions, community development worker for the Bangladeshi Youth Forum based in Lozells, and student support officer at Rowley Regis College. Mashkura is also a trustee member for Pioneers, a Birmingham BME mentoring consortium.
“makeI aknow we real
can
difference and I am passionate about the work... Mashkura said: “Regenerating areas is more than just improving buildings and facilities – it has an emotional impact on the community too. There are some excellent projects taking place across the Pathfinder area and it will be very exciting to see the changes these will bring about.” Urban Living’s Community Cohesion Strategy launched in October 2008. For further information, contact the team on 0121 565 6540. Urban Living Birmingham Sandwell Pathfinder The area covered by Urban Living is a typical inner-city area with an ethnically diverse population of around 150,000. It extends from the edge of Birmingham city centre in a north westerly direction over the boundary with adjoining Sandwell MBC, specifically - Aston, Newtown, Lozells, Winson Green, Handsworth, Smethwick, West Bromwich and Greets Green. The aim of the intended 15-year partnership programme is to stimulate the housing market by replacing obsolete properties with modern, sustainable accommodation, through demolition, refurbishment and new buildings. It will also ensure that other essential requirements of sustainable communities are addressed – such as economic prosperity, good quality services, design excellence, and delivery of clean, safe, healthy and attractive environments in which people can take pride. For further information, contact Tess Randles at Urban Living on 0121 565 6540. www.trulifemagazine.com
SIZE ZERO Constantly in the press, for a long time now the size 0 debate has been a permanent fixture in our conversations. Strangely as a country we still cannot decide whether we want to portray a scarily thin and unhealthy model on our runways, or a healthy and Tru Life model. Though this is a perfectly easy question for me to answer, the world is still at battle deciding whether size 0 models should be banned.
How did this all start?
In 2007 model Luisel Ramos collapsed on the runway during Uruguay’s fashion week. She later died from heart failure. It later emerged that Luisel had dieted to lose weight for the fashion show, she appeared frail and malnourished but was applauded on the runway. This gave the fashion industry no choice but to wake up and really take notice that the modelling industry was about to be uncovered in every light. The modelling industry has always been shown as a very glamorous and prestigious lifestyle to lead, making many young girls form the urge to be a model or at least be in the limelight of some sort. From day to night the lifestyle appears glamourous, strutting on the catwalk modelling the most famous designer clothing to hanging out at the hottest and most famous spots. Yet underneath the initial portrayal of a model lifestyle lies a real lifestyle which is full of constant weight pressures often resulting in eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia, drug abuse and extreme dieting and self confidence issues. The issues in the fashion industry have never been highlighted so much, when Kate Moss was uncovered showing her massive 38
drug use. The publicity she has received was immense showing the real life of this model and the self destruction that can occur within this lifestyle. She was on the front cover of every newspaper, showing her taking unspecified drugs, alerting us of what really happens after models come off the catwalk. Following consistent bad press, and Kate’s constant drug abuse, she was dropped from many lucrative contracts. Then Kate Moss had a 360 degree turn and returned from her bad press landing more contracts than she had ever had within her whole career as a model. Now having her own line in UK top label Top Shop. Kate Moss glamorised drug intake. So what does that say about the public opinion, about bad press and media coverage. Does it really matter? Or does it just add credibility to a subject or person? The press have constantly uncovered many angles and opinions on the size 0 debate not giving us (the reader) a clear indication of whether this matter will be resolved or not. Many designers have aired their opinion stating very different views on this world issue. Fashion designer Jean Paul Gautier made a very public stand showing his view on the size 0 model by putting a larger
model on his catwalk, showing the larger model can look just as fabulous on the runway as the rival skinny model. Yet designer Karl Lagerfield shrugged off concerns about the industries ultra thin models stating “the girls aren’t anorexic they are skinny with skinny bones!” Well where do we go from here? If the top end of the fashion industry’s designers can’t even come to agreement, then what hope is there for the world? After all, the designers choose the models to wear their clothes. So who is to blame? Giorgio Armani blamed the stylists and the media for the industries obsession with skinny women, saying the whole look is thought about and produced by the stylist team. Yet surely the stylists only have a certain amount of power as they are in fact hired by the designers. MTV bosses stated it’s not model agents it’s the designers! So we are pushing the blame and where does pushing the blame get us? Absolutely nowhere, except not facing the issue. Everybody within this industry has played a part in destroying the natural portrayal of a beautiful and healthy woman. Surely playing a part in resolving the issue is much more credible than ignorance. The models don’t have a huge voice when it comes to the runway, they are basically told what to wear and how to walk. Yet more and more models are now speaking out and talking of the issues within the industry. Some saying the pressure to be thin is so immense many have left their careers behind for the freedom to eat as they please, without the constant pressure to fit into designers clothes, which in fact does determine their success as a model. The ban on size 0 models is happening slowly and surely but not as quickly as it should. People have died from extreme dieting and self confidence issues whilst trying to be like the media’s portrayal of beauty. The change is still not worldwide, as there is a lack of international support.
which can only be a positive. The image of what a real woman should be or looks like had never been so publicised in history until the size 0 controversy was revealed. The media constantly talks about the average size woman, stating a size 12 is a healthy size for a woman to be, but lets look at it from the other end of the spectrum. You can’t determine what a healthy size for every woman in this country can be. A healthy weight can only be determined taking into consideration things such as your height and natural frame of your body. So in fact being a size 0 can be realistic for someone who is maybe 4’8 . The truth is every woman is completely different in everyway, we cannot keep putting labels on what is normal or average. Who wants to be average anyway when each one of us can be fabulous? Last year ‘Make me a supermodel’ filmed here in the UK said contestant Jen Hunter was too fat for the competition stating she didn’t take preparation for the competition serious enough with dieting and fitness regimes. Jen was a size 12, and fought back saying she was happy with her curves. This is what we as women have to take notice of, the fight back. Accept the body that you are blessed with. Love your body. Whether it be your legs, lips down to your bum that you like the best, love it. Know its great and embrace YOU, so let’s be real, if that means cutting out a take away or two and cooking fresh food or even making use of that gym membership you took out, as your new year resolution make changes for you and only you. Healthy living is what is the lost subject in this debate, be healthy and active and your body will then determine the size it is supposed to be. So be true to yourself, be a True life Woman. Words: Leona
So what do we want to see on our runways? Do we want to see the average size woman modelling high end couture, or should the fantasy concept of the runway be kept, making it only a show or visualisation and not real life? Making the fantasy transferable to reality could help the self esteem and confidence of many women in this country and beyond, www.trulifemagazine.com
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In this time of economical worldwide crisis Tru Life Magazine will be featuring articles and interviews plus important bits and pieces to help you through this seemingly difficult time. Part one can be viewed online at:
www.trulifemagazine.com
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“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure, it is our light not our darkness that frightens us....”
Nelson Mandela 1994 Inaugural Speech
As society stands; our young people are being targeted by the media as aggressive, uncontrollable rebels that ambush the streets, committing violent crimes and intimidating members of the public. There are so many questions and theories I wish to propose to you, first thing being, what is being done to hear the voice of the young person, in order to understand them, so we can address and facilitate their needs as young adults within society. One of the key points highlighted amongst youth is boredom, boredom created due to a lack of appropriate and accommodating facilities! And before you all start shouting in outrage that there are youth programmes being run, I know, I run programmes myself! But how many of them are geared at troubled young people who really need emotional, educational and spiritual support? How many youth programmes apart from on paper, in order to adhere to the funding criteria, really deal with the challenging and disadvantaged youth, and use their programmes to challenge controversial issues in order to help develop and engage? These questions are in no way asked, to discredit programmes that have proved their credibility and changed lives, but instead are asked, to raise awareness as to what is actually happening within these community programmes, how their funding is utilised, and what changes and developments have (or intend) to be made. However, apart from youth programmes, there are many other factors that need to be addressed in order to help young people make positive developments within society. The identity of young people is often formed by the appropriation and perceptions depicted by others within society and the media. I believe that for young people, the search of who you are is evident, but how do we expect our young people to develop a true sense of identity, if the basis in which they form it is a collage of misrepresented ideologies, limited positive role models highlighted within the media, and the gravitation towards those with similar geographical, economical and family backgrounds which in some cases can cause distorted values. Distorted values that commend and support actions and behaviour carried out within the group that in reality are not always the most positive or productive choice. However it is these values which evoke a sense of loyalty, belonging and understanding that therefore evokes a confidence that their choices are the right ones. “If the Negro in the ghetto must eternally be fed by the hand that pushes him into the ghetto, he will never become strong enough to get out of the ghetto” Carter. G. Woodson Miss- education of a Negro
Within society economic dependency plays another huge role in relation to youth culture in terms of social status, living conditions, and behaviour. We are lead to believe the government has put in place a number of benefits and support programmes that are said to help young people! Although I’m sure they do, what we as a society need to be fearful of is the emphasis put on monetary value of the here and as opposed to the long -jeverty that comes with personal skill and development. With the combination of distorted values and low income backgrounds young people find alternative ways to make money in order to imitate celebrity lifestyles highlighted by the media. What this has caused is a rapid increase in petty crime, organised crime, and violent crime, which each in turn are encouraging our youth to lose focus on the dream and instead live for the moment. www.trulifemagazine.com
It may seem as though I am finding excuses for the behaviour of our young people, but you are mistaken. The point I am trying to make is that our young people, this youth culture, is a product of a seed we as a society and as a government have created. Thus meaning that these young people are a direct product of what is happening geographically, economically, socially and within education and support services. “A battle lost or won is easily described, understood and appreciated, but the moral growth of great nation requires reflection, as well as observation to appreciate it�
Fredrick Douglas
Therefore in closing I ask that we nurture our young people with the positive energies they need, that as a community we build relationships with our son, niece, grandchild and neighbour and open our minds to new perspectives and innovative ideas, and I ask that we share our experiences. If we take responsibility of each young person as though our own, the future will be filled with prosperity. Words: Nathania
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I am currently a Production Coordinator working in the Television industry. I used to work on the hit game show Deal or No Deal, but now I am working on an E4 series called Rude Tube with an up and coming comedian called Matt Kirshen. The series is about weird and funny clips posted on the website You Tube and other online sites. It is really funny and has been a blast to work on as there have been a lot of international shoots to set up and lots of crazy people to try and organize.
Degree: BA Honours in English and Film and Television College: Btec in Media Production and Publishing Email address: sabrinaferro83@aol.com Favourite saying: Life is too short....... I love this saying because people do not realise how real it is. Enjoy life to the full, take risks and follow your dreams. We only get one chance! Biography: I never write these things because I don’t think I’m old enough to write one yet. I need to go on a few more adventures before people can hear about me like this (she laughs)
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I specialised in publishing when I was at college and studied English at University so the publishing industry seemed like a natural path for me to follow. I had made some good contacts with Pinewood Studios and Sony and pitched an idea to them about setting up a magazine that helped self starters get into the Film and TV industry. They loved this idea as there was not enough material specialising in this out there and they became my big sponsors. It was an amazing thing to have set up something like this and I was lucky to get the backing for two editions. When you work in an industry that is so fast moving and competitive you need to have thousands behind you, to keep promoting your product and I just didn’t have enough money and couldn’t raise enough money fast enough to keep it fresh. Consequently, I had to close down the company and I decided to start a career in Television. I have the strength of those companies behind me which was an achievement. After all I was only 21 years old when I did this and like I said, life is too short. I don’t have any regrets so I went to work in Television. Working in Television the contracts are very short, sometimes they are only four months and other times they are 10 month contracts. I am always working on different shows for different independent production companies in different places. This always keeps it fresh and you always gain new experience and new contacts which is what I love. My day to day workload consists of working across the whole production logistically and financially assisting the production manager by making sure we stick to the budget and schedule. I don’t work on the creative team even though I still like to think of my role as creative. I get to have a say in a lot of
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what goes on across the whole production from the start of making it to delivering the final tapes to the channel. One minute I will be setting up a shoot in America or Thailand and the next minute I might be clearing a music track trying to get a publisher down on costs so we don’t blow the whole budget. I am heavily involved with helping to stick to the budget which is great for me because it’s all about knowing how to run the logistics of a TV show The next minute I’ll be looking for a Tamil speaking researcher to help me track down a famous singer in a funny You Tube clip. Six months ago I was writing a Lucky Red Box Opener, the winner’s letter for maybe £10,000 and arranging their travel to get home. It’s all very hands on and crazy. I am always talking with different suppliers or contributors and I always know what’s going on across the production. One day I would like my own production company, so knowing about the financial side of things is a big deal for me. When I set it up in five years I think I’ll call it Ferro Productions so watch this space. If you had to give 3 pieces of advice/tips to someone attempting to establish a career in the film and/or T.V industry what would you they be? Like I said life is too short, so: 1) Go for it, 2) Don’t be scared to take risks, this includes having a week off every now and then for example taking a holiday. It is important not to get run down in this industry otherwise you are no good to anybody let alone yourself! 3) Build as many contacts as you can as it is all about who you know. You will find people will put you forward for work and you’ll put them forward for jobs - it’s all about helping each other out too. • What is the most expensive pair of shoes you have ever purchased? A £250 pair of white leather Karen Millen boots - they went straight on the credit card (laughs) - AMAZING shop.
be a fan of TV, is there a programme you cannot afford to miss? I love The Secret Millionaire and Poirot. All very dramatic and adventurous. • What do you think is more important in your industry, qualifications or experience? Both are important. Don’t ever let someone tell you your education means nothing. To be able to read, write and communicate properly is so important. It is a key skill to research and confidence I think it’s something we all take for granted if we have a good education. We don’t realise how important it is. If you can get a good balance of experience alongside your education, you’ll be laughing. It does take time to make things happen so don’t give up too easily. I’m 25 and really my career life is just beginning. It’s taken a lot of hard work and risks but so far it’s all been worth while. Like I said life is too short, don’t worry about it too much and just get on with it. I am currently working for a production company called October Films. I used to work for Endemol and Maverick Television before that but I am always moving around because the contracts are short and I work like a freelancer really. I have worked on: • A high profile Channel 4 documentary that I can’t really talk about but will air next Spring. • • • • • • •
Rude Tube E4 Deal or No Deal Channel 4 Picture This Channel 4 Win My Wage Channel 4 New Shoots - 12 documentaries made by deaf and disabled people Channel 4 Ghetto Britain E4 Madness of Modern Parenting BBC2
Work Experience: Hanrahan Media Paramount Comedy Words: Justice
• As you work within Television you must www.trulifemagazine.com
The next big thing! Do you ever wonder, what’s next for me? What can I really achieve? Will I make something of myself? It’s a good start if it’s crossed your mind. Achievement happens through perseverance and hard work. Making opportunities for your self is key. If you strive for success, it will come your way, sooner or later. A good place to start the journey to success is university. It may sound like a drastic jump or even a bit intimidating. But it pushes independent thinking and grants you one step closer to freedom, without the stress of bills. There are so many reasons to go, here are the You still not convinced? 1. If you choose a city away from home you get to experience another way of life, you’ll meet different kinds of people. Not to mention possible contacts! Ever wandered what life is like away from your city, but you were too scared to completely move. Uni gives temporary experience of moving out to a new undiscovered location. 2. Being in another city or town means you can find your own accommodation, a way to move out and have the independence that you want. Not to mention, you can decorate your room! 3. Taking out a loan – means you have a safety net, no need to worry about paying the rent on time. Most student accommodations include bills and internet. Some have phone lines. (If you’re lucky) 4 .Receiving a grant/bursary/scholarship. If you receive a grant from the government, dependant on parental income (commonly if eligible for EMA, you can be eligible for government grant) means that you’ll get money to nearly cover either your student fees or your accommodation fees, without having to give it back. Finally good use of the government! A bursary is a sum of money, which you also don’t have to pay back. A scholarship is a special scheme in which you get selected from and an external benefactor pays for tuition fees and in some cases your maintenance fees. 5. Student Life – The good years. Being a student; discount and cheap nights are made for you! You can get all kinds of discount; Rail fare discount, shop discounts, cheap nights out, NUS discount from selected stores and places, from Office shoes to Theme parks. Start saving. Clubs have student nights where it’s cheaper to get in, cheaper drinks, and special events. Also you can get software, accommodation, travel and even some Adobe programmes at student rates. 6. Now there are so many degree subjects within specialist areas that might be exactly or close to what you want to do it’s not like school or college where you have to do subjects you’re not interested in. Some Uni’s facilitate the option to pick modules. Uni pushes you to think and work independently, it helps you to gain initiative. 7. Uni is full of different people, either way everyone is in the same boat. Most people have come out of their safety zone of home and have moved out to a different city into new surroundings and situations. People are friendly. Everyone wants to make friends, have a good time and of course study! 8. For the study conscious, (this should be all of you!) Uni facilities are very highly equipped with big broad libraries, large ICT facilities, a gym, food areas, lecture theatres, support services such as counselling, chaplaincy, even advice from money to childcare problems. Uni is equipped to look after, nurture, and encourage you. You won’t ever be alone! Friends at uni and home, family and university support. 9. On paper (but not always), having a degree is fantastic, most employers like candidates 48
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with academic qualities and high commitment. Undergoing college then uni really impresses them, especially if you gain experience in your field you are a desirable candidate. Going on to work experience enables you to view your future work world, you get to understand it and prepared. You also build confidence, contacts and credentials (3 C’s). The more experience you have under your belt, the better for you. It is all about equipping yourself for anything so you can take on whatever you want! 10. Opportunities. University opens doors sometimes just by going to the right uni for your chosen subject. It opens doors in your career path. A lot of work places offer graduate schemes, rather than working in a place and working your way up. Another positive to having a degree is that if you go or work abroad, to most places in the world, a British degree is worth more e.g. America, a British BA (Hons) is almost equivalent to a Masters in America. Also Europe is a good place to work. The economy is growing worldwide in need of bright young minds for the future.
Still not convinced? Too much money, time and/or hassle?
Weigh up the pro’s and cons. Is it for you? Ask yourself what is it that you will be gaining from university? What don’t you like the sound of? So I had a chat with Kim, a current university student, to give you an insight into uni life! ___________________ Name: Kim Age: 20 From: Birmingham Course: International Spa management Bsc University: University of Derby, Buxton Campus Year: 3 Living with friends 1) How did you imagine uni life? Like an American Uni, dorms, loads of wild parties, fun, didn’t have much thought about the course, I thought perhaps it would be like college but a bit harder. Really hard work. 2) Did you always know that you wanted to go to uni? No, I didn’t think about it until my college told me about my course at Buxton. I was excited and jumped at the first chance I had. 3) What’s the best thing about uni? Freedom, Independence and getting your own space, you feel like you’re your own person. Definitely meeting people you’d never know in a million years. You’re not in your comfort zone so it’s good to take risks as I did venturing to new places, which you wouldn’t do at home. Everyday is different and there is never a dull moment. 4) The has been worst thing about uni? Managing your own money doesn’t go to plan, it is not as easy as college. You spend more than you would ever spend, you want to shop, get your hair done, get nice food, go out for meals, go to clubs, getting alcohol and going home. At first balancing everything like getting a job, uni work and trying to have a social life can be difficult at first, but after a while you will get used to it. Also sometimes cooking can be too much, sometimes I’m not bothered about cooking but want to eat, so takeaway looks good a lot of the times! 5) What’s been gained? Two stone! Definitely better people skills, you start from scratch so you’re on your best behaviour with people. It teaches life skills, you automatically grow up; you surprise yourself with what you’re capable of.
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6) Have you done any extra curricular activities? E.g. societies, activities, work placements, volunteer work, internships etc. I made sure I joined a society so I could meet more people. I joined everything: martial arts, singing club (which I got nominated to do!) and also cheerleading. I had to work in the spa at university once a week, it was compulsory; I also did a paid placement at Bannatynes Spa in Birmingham, also another placement at the Beauty Spot in Birmingham. These helped me gain knowledge of the working environment, plus it looks good on my C.V! I also worked part time in a supermarket, earned money and discount on shopping! 7) What are your plans for the future? Travel the world, I want to own my own Spa abroad and be a successful Spa manger. 8) What top advice would you give to people considering going to uni? Don’t be afraid to talk to people that you don’t know because they’re probably just as scared as you. Don’t be afraid to take risks, as they maybe worth taking. If you do get home sick that’s normal. When you go to Uni you find out who your real friends are. 9) Has uni been worth it? Yes it has been worth it, I don’t regret it. 10) What is the funniest/ most random thing that’s happened at uni? Wintertime we had a snowball fight, it was the boys vs. the girls it went on all night, outside in the cold for 3 hours, it was hilarious. If you’re still not sure about going to university, do some research into the job you want to do in the future, find out what skills, qualifications and expertise you need that will help you to go in the right direction. If you are convinced on going off to uni here’s a few things for you to think about; what to bring? Choosing a good student account to insure your room/possessions, TV licence. Remember to think of every possible option, is the course right for you? Does the uni offer good course? Is the uni in an area that you like? Visit the uni and student accommodation to get an idea of how it’s going to be. Decide on living arrangements; halls, housing, home or maybe even unite student living accommodation. Also doing a course with a placement year is an excellent choice as it enables a solid year of experience if you’re willing to do the extra time but it will be worth it in the long run. If not, aim to do plenty of work experience, placements, internships and volunteer work. It’s best to make the most of your time there. Don’t forget to enjoy yourself; also Fresher’s Fair gives you the chance to meet people, join societies and get freebies don’t miss it! You’ll also have a student union with all sorts of events happening such as; proms, theme parties, even if you don’t want to join a society. If you do go to uni don’t forget why you are there, it’s good to make your work come first and fun later. Retaking modules, terms or even the year puts a dent in your time schedule and purse! You can only get out what you put in; work hard and you will succeed and stay away from Facebook! Words: Rose Links UCAS.com – University and course info, and how to apply. Student beans.com – Get discount at your favourite places for example 2 for 1 cinema tickets. NUS.com – The NUS card and the discounts it has to offer STA travel.co.uk – discounted flights and holidays for students and under 26’s Unite.com – student accommodation (most are inclusive of bills) Natwest.com – Student banking, free 5 year railcard, £1,250 overdraft, online/telephone banking Endsleigh.co.uk - possessions/laptop/bike/phone insurance at student rates TV licence.co.uk – to get your TV licence be legal to watch TV 50
M:/P PRESENTS : THE STYLE&NETWORKING SOIREE | UK Date: 07 November 2008 Time: 17:00 – 23:00 Location: Berrow Court Berrow Drive Edgbaston Birmingham Phone: 07799593596 Email: enquiries@vive-mpmag.com Supported by TRU LIFE MAGAZINE & FASHION ROMANCE Parisian based magazine M:/P launching in 2009 invites you to a stylish evening consisting of catwalk shows, music & industry networking at the splendid grade II listed Victorian Mansion, Berrow Court. We also want to see what styles are rocking Birmingham’s streets from Rock to Ghetto Chick or Preppy boy to Emo! *This event is for MODELS, DESIGNERS, ORGANISERS, NEW BRANDS, DJS, WRITERS,PROMOTERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS and INDUSTRY SOCIALITES etc STANDARD TICKETS £10 (includes entry and a selected music/catwalk show) THE M:/P MAGAZINE WHITE ROOM TICKETS £25 (includes private catwalks & private music shows and special gifts)
Featuring: The Midlands Young Fashion Awards Designers: Ravjinder Bhaota - The MYFDA 2008 winner Chloe Marshall - Second Place Runner-up Sam Thorley - Third place runner-up Sarah Baker - Fourth place runner-up JEZREEL THE CANDY STORE www.thecandylifestyle.com BERTS DESIGNS AMANDA KANE Music by SICK CITY-CLUB *NB TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED ONLINE THERE WILL BE VERY LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE ON THE DOOR*
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Who do you think has the looks, style and personality to be the face of Tru Life Magazine and represents a TRU LIFE WOMAN? After careful consideration, a panel of judges have selected the top 10 finalists for Ms Tru Life 2008! NOW IT IS DOWN TO YOU THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO VOTE FOR THE WINNER! Voting closes at MIDNIGHT Friday 14th November 2008. More information log on to the website.
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To vote for a contestant text the word MSTRULIFE followed by their number to 82055 *SMS Charge at ÂŁ1 per text
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10 Types of a Tru Life woman There are many young women in this world which society and the public like to label; but a Tru Life woman never usually fits into a box. We may look like a Goth, be an aspiring entrepreneur, or a young woman who has a child but still making the most of her life. We decided to shoot 10 types of a Tru Life woman as society may want to label us and as you can imagine there will never just be 10. Tru Life women come from all walks of life, socio-economic backgrounds and cultures. Tell me which type are you? One thing we do know is that a Tru Life Woman... is an aspirational young woman. Tru Life women are young working professionals, entrepreneurs, graduates and current students. They are young women who aspire to be somebody, wanting to leave their mark on the world. Typically aged between 18 and 26, the Tru Life woman embraces her multicultural and British society, with urban culture being at the heart of her lifestyle. They are young women who aspire to achieve in all they do. They are modern day trendsetters who influence their peers by their lifestyle choices. A Tru Life woman takes pride in her appearance and is stylish and well groomed. Fiercely independent a Tru Life woman is more likely to live by herself by her early twenties. She is keen to stay in touch with the latest interior and designs, always looking for ways to improve her lifestyle. She is creative, enterprising and ambitious, keen to stay ahead of the latest technological trends and gadgets. She aspires for the finer things in life and is willing to work hard to get them. She works hard and plays hard. A Tru life woman cares, she cares about people and the world which we live in. Socially conscious, she contributes to making the world a better place. Young and carefree, she spends her free time enjoying life. She loves to meet new people, travel to new places and welcomes new concepts and fresh ideas. Cosmopolitan and chic, she enjoys her youth and dares to take risks. Whether for personal or professional reasons, she is willing to try new experiences, whilst sticking to her motto, Lead Stylist: Nathania Atkinson Stylist: Leona Vernon Fashion Assistants: Amee Sonecha and Shaneen Campbell MUA: Pryncess Amayo Make Up Assistant: Nemesha Gibson Hair Stylists: Genita Harris (KZT Hair Salon) & Natasha St Juste
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VINTAGE CHIC Tamara wears: Dress £165 Disorder Shoe boots £85 Dune
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YUMMY MUMMY Krisina wears: Dress £105 Disorder Shoes £85 Dune Accessories Stylist’s own
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ENTREPRENEUR Annabel wears: Blouse £59.99 Skirt £45 Disorder Shoes £85 Dune
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GOTH
Elka wears: Coat £120 Miss Sixty at House of Fraser Boots £135 Dune Tutu worn under the coat, Belt and accessories Stylist’s own
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PREPPY
Chanelle wears: Dress £110 Miss Sixty at House of Fraser Belt £10 Dorothy Perkins Necklace £10 Next Bangle Stylist’s own
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SEX KITTEN
Tamara wears: Corset Stylist’s own Skirt £25 Topshop Shoes £85 and gloves £25 Dune Earrings £5 Aldo Feather Boa £5 Birmingham Bullring Market
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GOLD DIGGER
Natascia wears: Dress Prices on request from Catherine Colbourne Shoes £85 Dune Accessories Models own Kilo wears: Jeans £69.99, Shirt £65, Waistcoat £69.99 Disorder
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FITNESS QUEEN
Keisha wears: Leotard Dance Gear Dance outfit a selection from Birmingham Bullring Market Bangles Stylists own
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GIRL NEXT DOOR
Natasha wears: Jacket & T-shirt from a selection at Candy Store Trainers ÂŁ40 Dune Jeans and Accessories Models own
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Ellz Creationz Born in Africa on May 22nd 1989, she would have never thought about being a photographer. Growing up I wanted to be so many things, from a dentist to working with children. At the age of 8 she came to the U.K and during secondary school, she started thinking about becoming an accountant. “I wasn’t the best in school as I spent most of my time getting in trouble” Near the end of her school life, Ellen known as Ellz Creationz decided she would try out childcare. After a long year working and studying she found it was the worst thing she could have ever done. In 2006 after purchasing a professional (SLR) camera, she decided she would try her hand at photography. “I began photographing anything I came across and noticed I loved doing this and had the talent. I then began to take it seriously and began photographing people. I got drawn into the fashion and beauty side, which is what I’m concentrating on at
the moment”. //Why photography? I love photography because it is fun to try out new things and I can play around with colours, shades and shadows. It is just amazing and colours inspire me. EllzCreationz has worked with so many different clients and individuals… I have done so many photo shoots from implied nude, fashion, beauty, concerts and many more. I have shot various people from DJ’s to actors. Just to name a few they include - Kidz in the Hall, Spiderman 2 premiere and a Missy Elliot’s concert.
//What do you love the most about being a photographer? Producing a different image every time I pick up my camera is the best feeling I can ever have. //What are your long-term career plans? Well, one day I would like to be a well-known photographer, known for photographing creative fashion and I believe I will achieve that. //How important do you think it is to set goals in your life? I think its very important in setting goals but what is more important is to live up to them. You have to be determined to achieve them when you are setting your goals. //What has been the hardest obstacle for you to overcome? It has not occurred yet but I’m sure an obstacle will appear one day. //As a photographer, can you sum your work up in less than 5 words? Creative, urban, colourful, fashion and beauty “Colourful fashion & beauty images with
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a creative urban feel to them” //Young women seem to be drinking a lot more these days than ever before. Do you think they care about the long-term health implications of binge drinking? If they cared do you think they would be doing it? They need to stop and think about doing something better with their life now, before its too late and they are six feet under. //There is a saying that urban culture is the new youth culture that sees no colour. Do you think this is true? I do not think that this is true. People just look at the worthless urban youth and think that all the youth are like that. They do not see the ones trying to achieve something in their lives, that is why it is harder to get where you want to now, but a persons just got to stay focused and things will work out. //Hip-hop music and grime are associated with a lot of the negatives aspects of what is happening in our society. Is music to blame for gun and knife culture? NO! I listen to hip hop and grime and I have never ever had thoughts to use a gun or a
knife and when 50 Cent or whoever is rapping they are not saying “pick up that gun and go shoot jane doe”. Personally I blame gun and knife crime on the parents of the person who is picking up the gun or knife. //Why? A large amount of people using guns and knives come from broken homes and studying childcare, a broken home messes up a person’s life, which can lead them to think no one cares about them. I am not saying that all children from broken homes turn out to be like this, but there are a lot that do and that is why I blame their parents. //Tackling gun and knife crime is a problem to be tackled by society as a whole. What can the government do? Stop bringing such weapons into the U.K. I guess that is the only way it can be stopped because people using these weapons do not seem to be listening. //What can the police do? Not much, but I would say that when they find someone with a weapon, they should put them in prison for life. Maybe then, people will be scared to carry or use guns and knives.
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tru life random bits
What 3 things can you not leave home without? Earrings Money Gum If you won the lottery tomorrow, what is the first thing you would buy? Another lottery ticket, could be extra lucky and win again What’s your favourite tune at the moment? Chris brown – Superhuman Words: Justice Pictures: Ellz Creationz
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facshion Event- FaCshion Date- 13-14th September 2008
Location- London
The Tru Life team had their first taste of London Fashion Week 2008 on Sunday 14th September. The Tru Life Editor in Chief, a photographer and I, jumped on a train and headed to London, one of the fashion capitals of the world. The event was called FaCshion which is a trade, buyer, fashionista and consumer show; the first of its kind. The location near the trendy Brick Lane in East London was perfect. On route we followed the music and array of trendy people who clearly dress how they feel and know no boundaries when it comes to colour, prints, styles and conformity. Brick Lane was hosting a music event which meant that as well as loud music and mid afternoon drinking, lunch was a difficult choice of food from across the globe. There were Chinese, British, West Indian, Spanish and Indian food stalls. We settled for Chinese as it had the longest queue so it must have been good. The Editor in Chief said it was worth the wait. It is clear we got a little distracted whilst taking a lunch break. There were also clothing brand sales with ÂŁ5 and ÂŁ10 bargains and even a shop with 21 French fashion designers selling their collections. Okay back to FaCshion, we arrived as the first catwalk show was in full swing. The music was blaring and the fashion and colours grabbed the attention of the whole room. All of the designers were up and coming and just making a name for themselves in the fashion industry. Surprisingly most of the designers were not based in London neither, which proves that fashion does live outside of the Capital! The catwalk collections included statement bags from Steven Harkin (It was love at first sight for me and a green oversized clutch), unique
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handmade designs from Nicole Marie, an All Saints meets glitz glam feel from designers Mimi and Didi and a colourful dress explosion from Jeminee Solanki. After we had made our designer wish list we scoured the room to speak to our favourite designers in person. I was shocked to find out most designers were showcasing for the first time at this event and many of them had only created their collections in the last 18 months. This is inspiration for all you fashionistas with a collection sitting on paper. For the rest of you who are looking for the next big designer, or simply want something different from what is on the high street watch this space because Tru Life will be bringing you exclusive designers first. FaCshion was a great event and the perfect place to network and see what is new on the UK fashion scene and which designers to look out for. I can not wait to get full exposure to London Fashion week next year. Words: Dominique
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Do you think you have what it takes to work or feature in Tru Life Magazine? We are looking to expand our team and are seeking creative individuals who can take Tru LIfe Magazine to the next level. Various roles and positions available.
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So you want to be a top model but haven’t got any professional pictures? Various packages include: Make Up Artists Hair & Fashion Stylists Professional Retouching Packages to suit all budgets starting from £50
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1) What or who inspired you to set up Handbag Hire HQ? About 8 years ago I heard about a woman who bought some designer bags and started hiring them out to other people. I thought that it was a great idea, thinking how well it could work in the UK. 2) How did you go about setting up your business and sourcing the handbags? We (Jo and her husband James) started off searching the internet for reputable suppliers, but it was very difficult to work out whether the bags were authentic, so we researched further and met suppliers face-to-face. Quite a few of the bags were bought direct from the fashion houses, to avoid purchasing fakes. This was especially important with brands such as Louis Vuitton which are so often copied. We started with 40 bags and now have almost 100. For the business side, we contacted our local Business Link who recommended a website design company. We also spoke to a solicitor to check that buying the bags, hiring them out and using pictures etc. was legal. 3) Where do you see Handbag Hire HQ in the next 5 years? We would like to continue to expand the collection. At the moment we use any profit made to buy more bags, so we can grow and keep the collection fresh for our members. We do sell bags too, but usually only when a member hires a bag and falls in love with it, so then we come up with a price based on its age, condition and popularity, also if it will be easy to replace for the site. I would like to increase the business to allow us to take on dedicated members of staff for specific roles, such as a company accountant, a buyer, an administrator, and so on. We have expanded the business into countries within the EU and now have some members abroad, but most of our members are in the UK and Ireland. We have not done any promotional work outside the UK or Ireland, so again this is something to concentrate on over the next few years. Also, this year we introduced sunglasses (to buy not for hire) and the success of the sales of our first batch indicated that there is a market for other accessories as an add-on to the bag-hires. 4) What is the most expensive or exclusive handbag you personally, have ever purchased? A gorgeous Fendi Baguette, well James bought it for me actually! I love it but it’s too small for a day bag, which is why the idea of being able to rent another appealed so much. 5) How many handbags do you actually own or do you prefer to hire? I personally own about 50 bags and have always been a bag fanatic, though they are mostly not designer bags. Some, I’ve kept because they remind me of special events, memories, etc. and some are just beautiful aesthetically. I do “test” the bags from the site though, but I am extremely careful with them!
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6) Who are your three favourite designers and why?
I LOVE Fendi - this is because it was my first-designer-love. We were at the airport and I found a little Fendi coin purse, in that season’s wide green stripes. Green has always been my favourite colour. From that moment a tradition was born, that whenever we went on holiday we would buy a piece of Fendi. Fendi will always be my absolute favourite. After Fendi I have to say it’s equal second/third/fourth between Louis Vuitton, Chloe and Balenciaga, none of which I was particularly keen on until we started the bag company and I got to see them in the “flesh”. Louis Vuitton bags are so beautifully finished and packaged, receiving one direct from Paris is a wonderful experience. Chloe and Balenciaga are such gorgeous soft leather; I challenge anyone not to fall in love with them! 7) How do you decide on the latest “IT” handbags for your members? We have recently been hovering around Selfridges in Birmingham, deciding which current pieces to buy. It’s quite a job working out which current pieces will go on to become classics and which ones will be popular to hire. 8) Which designer handbag is a must have this season? a) For a red carpet or formal event? Personally, I love the clutches that Prada and Anya Hindmarch currently have in their shops, really lovely, boxy shapes. b) For daily use? (Well for at least a week) Having a bit of a love affair with Mulberry, the Mulberry Bayswater just goes on and on and I love their new shapes too. 9) What handbag are you carrying right now? Right now I’m using our bright red Jaeger Britannia it’s a great size, I seem to carry loads of stuff about with me! Also it’s this lovely bright colour and patent, so it really brightens everyone up in this horrible weather. 10) What five things must you have in your handbag at all times? A little bit of make up, enough for repair work, a pen, my phone, my Coach purse and Handbag Hire HQ business cards/flyers. Words: Dominque
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lil’ Kiesha
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everyone is at least a little bit interested in everyone’s sex life
As she nearly hits 200, 000 plays on Myspace and with more than 20, 000 friends, Lil Kiesha is one Birmingham Hip Hop artist to reckon with. “My musical inspiration comes from my personal life experiences, thoughts and emotions. I find that people connect with you more when they can relate to what you are saying, and when you have actually been in those positions and talking about it, they really feel and believe what you say. I like to write from my own experiences because I feel like I’m being 100% true and real about what I’m saying, because I have either been through it, thought of it or felt those emotions.” How would you describe your sound? I would definitely say my sound is different from the rest, because of the different accents you hear in my voice. I am from Jamaica but I had to learn to mix the American accent with my Jamaican accent and then when I moved to the UK my accent was enhanced with the Birmingham twang after living here for 7 years. So I would say my sound is very unique and I do get a few people saying that they can hear all three accents when I speak and when I rap. I’ve heard that you’ve been contacted by some famous music industry people
on my space...more details please? (Laughs)Who told you that? Yes I have been contacted by a few major people such as artists, A&Rs and producers, but with me I don’t really like to discuss too much until things actually happen or start to happen. But yes, I definitely utilise myspace and other websites such as youtube, facebook etc. to promote myself and get results, that’s what’s it’s all about Puttin’ In Work. We’ve had the mix tape Puttin’ In Work and rumour has it your working on an album called the Scorpion’s Intensity... what is the story behind that? Yes, I am actually working on my album and it’s called The Scorpion’s Intensity. The story behind the name is this…I’m into mysterious things like Astrology and Palmistry and things like that, however, the title has more to do with Astrology. Well, I’ve got a book that basically breaks down each star sign into weeks and it also talks about each person’s characteristics and honestly it described me to a tee, both my good and bad sides. As you may have guessed I’m a Scorpion and I was born in the week of Intensity. I wanted to do an album that reflects me as a person and show what I’m about, and I would say that yes I’m an intense person and I want people to feel that when they listen to my music and I think the title is a good start for people to get to know me. You’re a UK female rapper but I hear you have an American twang....don’t British people find that off putting? What reaction do you get because of this? Firstly, I would like to make it clear that although I represent the UK, I’m not from the UK but yes I do live here. As I was explaining earlier, I had to learn to adopt the American twang when I started out rapping because when I just started out rapping – and this is before Foxy Brown started mixing patois in her raps – it sounded very weird to me, it was like I was trying to rap, and I didn’t want to sound like I was trying to, I wanted people to know right off that I was doing Hip Hop. Now I live in the UK and people automatically think, ‘oh she’s from the UK, why is
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she trying to be American, what’s wrong with her?’, but when I explain to them my background they go ’oh, ok I understand now’. The majority who obviously don’t know me or my background always ask, ‘Why the American accent?’ not knowing me or my history. When I explain it to them they appreciate me and my music even more. So yes, for some it’s off putting but with a bit of background knowledge they learn to appreciate and support my music. I do get some people who don’t really care about the accent and say that they love what I’m doing, I guess because they are true music lovers who see beyond an accent and really enjoy good music. Also, I would like to say that the Americans don’t think I’m trying to sound like them, because I get lots of feedback from people state side saying how they love my British accent, so people from the US think I sound British and people from the UK think I sound American. Some people assume you are a singer by first impressions based on your looks, does this annoy you? No, it doesn’t annoy me at all because to me I believe that makes me stand out more, because they expect me to sing but when I go on stage I start rapping and they’re like ‘Whoa, I wasn’t expecting that’. What does annoy me is when I get magazines telling me ‘You don’t look like a Hip Hop artist, you look like a model we don’t want people thinking you’re a model, change your look etc’ and I’m thinking why should I change my dress code or my look, this is me and I dress how I’m comfortable and I can’t change the way God made me. They want me to dress rugged and rough and like a guy to prove I do Hip Hop and I’m like sorry I’m a woman and I’m going to dress like a woman. Who is Lil’ Keisha five years from now? 5 years from now I will be a very successful business woman in the music industry and other areas such as Hair and Beauty and the Property sector.
What do you find hard/what did you struggle with the most within the music 80
industry so far? Well, with doing everything independently without many funds to get your work done that would be the hardest thing for me so far. You need money to make money. So if there any investors out there...??? Why do you rap about sex so much? What a random question (laughs). I don’t think I rap about sex as much, but I don’t see anything wrong with rapping about it, because we all talk about it. If you take a good listen to my mixtape ‘Puttin’ In Work’ you will see I don’t rap about it as much however, there are sexual references in some of my songs, but come on everyone is at least a little bit interested in everyone’s sex life as long as there is not too much dirty info. What has been the highlight of your career?
Wow, there are so many highlights for me such as having a video that aired on national television, appearing in one of Americas biggest hip hop magazines (Hip Hop Weekly) and collecting an international music video award (on behalf of Seriously Hectic Entertainment) for the video I was featured in. But the list goes on, because there are other things that have happened and to me they are highlights because I’m still trying to reach the top and every short term goal I accomplish it’s major for me. Is there anything you are currently doing at the moment that your fans should know about? Yes, I should be coming out with a 2009 Lil’ Kiesha calendar and my website will be up very soon, these are two things I’m working on at the moment. I don’t like to swamp myself with too much and I don’t like to say too much but as soon as one thing is done and out the way they will know what
I have in stores for them next. But in the mean time all updates could be found on my myspace website at: www.myspace.com/kiesofly
Being a Birmingham based artist, what do you think of Tru Life Magazine? Honestly, I am very happy about the evolution of Tru Life Magazine, it seems very refreshing and different from the other magazines that are out there. I like the idea of how there are different sections to the magazine such Lifestyle, Industry, Fashion and Entertainment because people can locate me quicker in the entertainment section of the magazine (laughs). But seriously most magazines have entertainment interviews splashed out on all different pages but to have it in one section I think that makes it easier for readers to find certain information and interviews they are interested in. Apart from that I love what Tru Life Magazine is about and also the crazy people I’ve met from the team, ya dig – that’s an inside joke (laughs). Look out for forthcoming singles from Lil Kiesha featuring Birmingham’s finest talent ‘Eye Candy’ featuring Candy (D.T & Candy) , and the official debut single is called ‘Say My Name’ featuring Lisa Marie. To stay in touch with Lil Kiesha log on to: www.lilkiesha.com www.myspace.com/kiesofly Words: Justice Pictures: Charlotte Chapman
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Words: Keisha Pics: Mr. Mac Back in September, ATU Entertainment showcased an all American line up Raw comedy show at the Adrian Bolt theatre. The performers, who have previously been seen on Def Comedy Jam were there to perform on stage and help raise awareness for the ORGANISATION FOR SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA RESEARCH. We were there to check out the talent on stage and support the cause. . Raw Comedy’s Showcase line-up of comics was certainly an assorted crew. Beginning with Ali, the host of the show, whose comedy revolves largely around his social interactions in life and with the audience. Ali serves it up; he did a couple of musical imitations that had the audience in stitches, and leaves you having to like his natural comic ability. He’s got skills and hilarious ammunition that he relentlessly throws at you, and there isn’t anything difficult to understand with Ali, it’s all well constructed and perfectly executed. The audience was laughing from start to finish with this major league funny guy. This is most definitely a comedian to watch. As Ali says, “There ain’t no refunds!”, but nobody’s likely to ask when this comic is on the stage. Watch out! Slim, a home-grown English talent, proved he really has great stand-up, a standard which allows him to roll with these guys in the all American show. His interest in the new generation of life and how kids today behave fuelled his routine. Hats off to Slim, fresh and exciting, it was nothing but hard core laughing throughout, and the packed house loved it. His material was solid, uninterrupted, laugh generating comedy. With his confessions of parenting and fresh take on family traditions, he leaves a lasting mark and I am still laughing. Malik is a self-proclaimed “cool guy” who talks politics and money. Malik delivered one of the funniest sets in the show. He found that edgy can’t be balanced and that the dark side really can be funny. Standing as a “poor black man”, there is some element of realness that makes his humour relatable to the audience. Malik is hard core funny and getting funnier. There is no comedian I’ve seen with Malik’s style. It’s unique 82
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and extremely funny. Nothing comes close. Wil Sylvince took so naturally to the main stage with his act and was incredibly fun to watch. You have to see Wil on stage and instantly you will recognise he belongs there. Wil locked the audience in from the start with one of the top performances of the night. His first class flying segment was seat rolling funny, and his nightclub dancing had the audience sliding out of their chairs uncontrollably. Wil is a comedy star perfect for stage. As we saw, these guys offered a little something for just about everyone, and although their stories were frequently based around women and sex, there was a lot of heart behind them. Even at their crudest or most exaggerated, these guys were truly themselves, and their comedy comes from a place that is real and meaningful to them. They do not simply put on an act for the audience but reveal something of themselves, sometimes embarrassing things, but always something that the audience can understand and connect with on some level.
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MUSIQ
I know I’m not on my own when I say that I’m desperate for a night out where I can dress to impress and know others will do the same, where I can listen and dance to good music, a friendly atmosphere and party with mature, likeminded people. So dressed to kill with somewhere to go, my girlfriends and I (11 of us in total) made our way to the relaunch of Musiq at Bluu Bar.
Firstly, Musiq gets top marks for its choice of location. Bluu bar, located not far from Broad Street is still central enough for you not to be totally alienated from the partying vibe. It was compact but not pokey and had a clean and stylish feel to it. Adding to the essence of style and sophistication we were all anticipating, we were greeted by two attractive ladies dressed in black wearing Russian-esque hats, who were responsible for taking the tickets (a far cry from those miserable, burly bouncers you get at most establishments). Musiq was held in the basement section of Bluu and as we walked through the doors, we were not disappointed. The design of the interior was both dark and moody but laced with a sexy style. Everybody looked absolutely gorgeous and the fact that everybody was smiling and mingling went down extremely well with me. We got to Musiq quite early so we were able to go to the bar and get drinks without the normal drama that normally ensues when wanting to quench your thirst. I was boring and bought a glass of wine, but my more adventurous cohorts decided to sample one of the ‘fishbowls’ which I sneakily took sips of when they weren’t looking. By the time we were halfway through it, Bluu had a good amount of people and the music was starting to heat up. Musiq also gets ten out of ten for their choice of DJ’s on the night. Felix and Jezta played with their normal finesse, entertaining the crowd with the right blend of funky house and Aycee with his ‘boy next door’ charm, kept the ol’ skool classics flowing, taking us all back in time. Everybody was dancing and seemed to be enjoying themselves. Overall, the night was very enjoyable for me. I liked the mixture of people, the happy and safe environment and the feel good vibe Musiq left me with at the end of the night. There were some downsides though, the PA system was weak, making the music sound really low at times and I felt it would have been nice for everyone to be formally introduced to the people behind the vision. But all in all it was a night I would definitely recommend to others Oh…and my dress never got wasted by the way. Words: Makeda
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KMD - “BEFORE ITS TOO LATE” REVIEW Initially I feared that this album would be an angry, aggressive, generic male struggle mixtape
but from the first to the final beat I was incorrect. KMD deserves credibility as ‘Before it’s too late’ does not have a single weak beat and will leave no listener disappointed. His opening song ‘Take the doors off’ (Track 2) is inspired by every artist’s dream of conquering the music industry and sets the tone for the entire album. This song is certainly a cut above the rest of what you find in the UK charts these days and is definitely a powerful contender for the U.S market, showcasing his creativity as both a producer and writer. The album features a selection of different artists providing different sounds and styles granting sufficient variety that will keep you listening throughout the entire mix tape as well as giving it a balanced blend. Although it features other underground artists, it is the beats and KMD’s strong, vocally confident performance that enhances the albums innovative style and surge. The mixtape is filled with memorable hooks, catchy chorus’, strategically placed humour and a significant flow from KMD. There are a couple of tracks where he attempts to sing but he isn’t the best singer. However, mixed with remarkable beats, great delivery, charm and attitude it’s impossible not to smile and appreciate his talent. Track 8, a
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highlight for me, introduces KMD’s remix of a Coldplay track, occupied with honest verses and a seamless mix of styles that exhibits a charismatic realness to KMD. There is the occasional lyric on the mix tape that is not as daring or bold as expected and in my opinion unworthy of the beats, but this in no way affects how crisp and striking the album is as a whole. ‘Kidnap Santa’ is filled with awkward lyrics (the title speaks for itself), but the beats are accordingly memorable and playful that you will find yourself singing the chorus against your own will as the song grows on you. My instincts tell me there is much more yet to come from KMD that he is holding back as a producer, writer and artist. “Before it’s too late” indicates he is somebody with his own apparent vision of how UK hip hop should be developing and I’m excited about what he’ll bring next. I suggest that you download the mix tape, LISTEN to his unreleased singles and in no time you will be standing in line next to me queuing to see him live. “Brum Town stand up”. Download the mix tape for FREE at: www.myspace.com/kmdsdatruth Facebook: Levi ‘KMD’ St Juste
Words: MJ
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//Hey, I’m glad you to do this interview Hey, I’d firstly like the lovely readers! great!
could take the time out for Tru Life. to say a big hi to all I hope they are doing
//So let’s get straight into it. Why music? Well I don’t think any musician can explain why, I just love music and it’s as simple as that, it’s my passion, it’s my love it’s my everything really. I think most people grow up with a passion for something, some people turn it into a career and others a hobby, for me there’s no competition it’s a career all the way, I can’t imagine doing anything other than this. I grew up with a keen interest and always found music so interesting. Music does something to me deep deep inside, I connect to it on all levels, it’s just one of those unexplainable things. //Being an Asian, Female living in Nottingham, I guess it may be difficult for you to pursue a career in music? Does your family support what you do? Yes of course 100%, my dad’s the one who actually set me up with my studio once I finished university, I told him this is what I want to do, and he was more then happy to help as he knows I have the drive to 88
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Behind the Beats
get where I want to be. This industry doesn’t wait around for people and I decided to take this up as a full time job while I could rather than do it part time, where I knew I wouldn’t be able to give it the time and attention that it would need and that I’d want to give it. It’s not been difficult in regards to where I live, but to start it was difficult to be taken seriously as a producer full stop simply because I am female, people automatically just found it too hard to believe that a girl could be making music. But through perseverance I have proved myself to the right people and have shown that I can make music just as good as the next person and I’ve been blessed to have met the people that I have so far in this industry and thankfully I’ve been given some awesome opportunities. I’ve been doing music for years, but it’s only now that it actually feels like it’s kicking off and that I’m getting recognition, I guess music speaks for itself and the more of my music that is out there, the more it’ll speak to people and people will see what I am capable of doing. //What software do you use to compose
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s
your beats? I use Cubase with a stack of plugins along with live recording, to be honest I’ve learnt that it’s not what you use, it’s how you use it. I think every producer has their own tools and ways of making their music, when it comes to making music I have no boundaries, as far as I’m concerned what sounds good sounds good. I came into music very software orientated, being a girl and being the age I started I didn’t have any hardware available to me, so I started aged 12-13 making basic music on my computer. I managed to get my hands on some basic software, I just remember feeling like I wanted to learn so much more about it. I then went on to study music technology and have not looked back since! I like to get new plug-ins and instruments all the time so that I can experiment with different sounds, I’ve tried all the professional software programs out there i.e. Pro Tools, Logic and Cubase. Cubase is just something that has stuck with me. I’m a PC based user too, you’re either Mac or PC right, again it doesn’t really matter if I heard one of the best songs in the world and then found out it was made on an Amstrad computer from the 1970’s I wouldn’t care, it’s about what sounds good, that’s all music is about. I think if you have the creativity you can make incredible things from something considered little. //Where do you find your inspiration? My inspiration comes from everywhere and anywhere, I don’t actually know where it comes from exactly, sometimes I finish a song and I’m like ‘whoa, how did I do that?’ When you think about it, a song can have a million different possibilities, so many instruments you could use, the melodies everything; they are blank canvases and we as producers paint that picture. I couldn’t actually explain how I make my music I just do it, for the people who I’ve been in the studio with they can probably see more how I do it then even myself, I just get into a zone and it just happens. I don’t have any set way of doing things, my songs end up the way they are through I don’t know what process. I simply let myself go and it happens.
When a producer has a creative block, which happens at times, I get really frustrated as it’s not something you can switch on and off yourself, so you have to wait until the feeling is back, so I guess when I’m not having a creative block I’m inspired. //I hear that. What has been your longest studio session. What time did you start & finish? I have long studio sessions nearly every day, I’m pretty much in the studio 24/7 I’m at the transitional period where a lot of music is being made, I’m doing production for various artists at the moment so my own album has taken a back seat, which I don’t mind at all because as far as I’m concerned I just love making music and it’s an even bigger buzz knowing that the artists you’re working with love the music you make for them, so I’m very happy at the moment with that. Generally musicians know that the hours are long. I tend to be in the studio till about 3-4am most days as there just isn’t enough time in the day. //Favourite instrument? I love most instruments but my favourites are the piano and guitar! I’m lucky in that I’m able to pick up any instrument and play it, I think some people just have musical minds and relate to music and instruments very well, I’ve always been like that, there are so many I want get my hands on, my collection is growing steadily. I’ve always wanted a harp come to think of it, I’ve never tried it but it looks like an awesome instrument. I love anything musical, but playing the piano is so peaceful. //Favourite piece of studio gear? Hmm that’s a hard one, I don’t think I have one at the moment, everything I use has its use and place equally, I couldn’t do without any of the things I use, to be honest I’m really into live recording, and want to eventually get to the point where I can record everything live rather than use plugs, I record whatever I can with the instruments that I have. I don’t have a favourite piece of studio gear yet, but I’m looking to get an Open Labs Miko or Neko, and I just know that when I do get it, it will definitely be my
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favourite piece. //I wouldn’t mind getting my hands on one of those myself! Being a Producer and an Artist myself, I have to find the right balance to juggle the two. How do you manage that? I find it ok to be honest, I don’t really find it a problem, I think I’m a producer first and foremost so my artist side will always be the second thing I naturally do. And I’m more than happy to stand up and say that. I think you’re always going to be one more than the other and I’m definitely a producer. //What’s been the highlight of your music career so far? Having had the opportunities that have just come through my door so far, I’m not really able to talk about them at the moment which is REALLY unfortunate, but it’s a big deal for any starting producer so I’m looking forward to them all, I’ve waited this long for things to move the way they are now, and I’m not putting anything out there publicly just yet, as I can’t, but once things are done they will speak for themselves. So my highlights so far are here but I just can’t talk about them at the moment, but I hope to have many many more. //What do you aim; I say aim because if you hope for something it will never come. So, what do you aim to achieve in your lifetime? I aim to become a prominent MUSIC producer in the mainstream industry; I want to set a platform for female producers out there and really make it known that hey females can make music too, and not rubbish music, but good quality music. There needs to be someone to stand up and break into the industry as a prominent female producer and I’m definitely going to give it my all to try and do that. //WHAT DO YOU PREFER? Studio or Live? I love them both so much! And equally at that!
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RANDOM QUESTIONS>>> If I could grant you 3 wishes, what would they be? 1. To become a prominent music producer 2. WORLD PEACE! 3. To work with Timbaland What do you wear to bed? Lol, this one’s random, I’ve NEVER been asked that in an interview! Lol. I like to give the readers something different - you never saw that coming! :-) Ok, before we close what upcoming projects should the readers look out for? I have quite a few projects I am working on which again I can’t mention just yet, come a month from now I probably will be able to. I’m working with various artists along with my own album project. I will keep everyone updated when the time is right. Thanks for your time. Words by: Levi
For more info on Kiran Zamman visit: www.myspace.com/kiranzamman
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5mins with Galaxy fm DJ
•How do you prepare yourself before a show? I get into work an hour before my show and spend that time, collecting all my info, gossip and bits. Most of it comes from me; I’m quite spontaneous and mad at the same time. It’s a lot of show preparation but I think that is what made me different from the others, I actually really do preparation! •You’ve been presenting since a young teenager, what attracted you to radio presenting? A young teenager, cute, I was 17, (Sacha laughs). Yes when I did my first show on a pirate radio station in Nottingham, Globe 107.7. The Music, the freedom, the creativity without the pressure, Radio is a very relaxed atmosphere and environment. I’ve always been a bit of a hermit as well, so being locked away in a studio away from the masses has always suited me. The money is good if you put in the time you get a lot out. •Who has been your favourite person to interview and why? Easy, My role model, Angie Martinez from Hot97 in NYC, she was so laid back and we really connected, she was blown away at how much she has influenced me. There are not many female DJ’s in the game that can hold their own alongside the man’s dem, so I love her style. •Who has been your worst interview and why? Surprisingly it was Rihanna, she just didn’t do it for me. Her personality must have been left in Barbados. DJ’s put a lot of effort into their preps for interviews and on the 2 occasions I have interviewed her, I felt she really didn’t want to be there promoting herself. So I never ever use any of the recorded material on my show. •What key advice would you give to someone wanting to be as successful in radio as you are? Ha Ha! (Sacha laughs out loud) That’s not an easy one. I have had to make a lot of personal sacrifices. I have NEVER worked on legal radio in my hometown of Nottingham. I’m always away from my family, always having to make a new life and new friends. I’ve always remained focused on my job. I’ve never put much before my work, it’s a bit sad really but I want to make a difference in people’s lives. I’m approachable, I’m not arrogant. I’m just a real person
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and act that way. The word here is SACRIFICE! I’m always setting new challenges for myself. I am ambitious without treading on other’s dreams. I’m always here to help others and in turn, I have been blessed with a great job. I don’t purposely hurt others but for example if I see a bully in action I will tell a bully that they are a bully! I’m a good person at heart and I think that above all, a good heart is what shines through and is what attracts people to me. •What CD is playing in your CD player today? Baseline Heaven mixed by Joe Hunt, I’m a female ‘skanker’. ( If you like me aren’t sure what she means by this she explains it is another term for a hard core raver) •You lived in Japan and travelled south East Asia for a while, where would you say is your favourite place in the world to be? Oh no, I cant answer this question, I love all the places I have been in my time of travelling but it would be a toss between Japan because of the people I met and Barbados, my Father’s birthplace. Arigato Gozaimasu (Sacha impresses us with her Japanese saying thank you very much) Words: MJ www.trulifemagazine.com
A Tru Life Story
This is a true life story. In each issue we will be bringing you a story from a reader, member of our team, friend or relative that will hopefully inspire you and show you the strength of a ‘Tru Life Woman’. As a vibrant teenager, I was always known as the life and soul, the joker of the pack. At the age of 16 I was relatively a care free teenager; my only major issue was food. I battled with an eating disorder from the age of 14-16 and it was pretty much common knowledge amongst my peers, and although I was teased a little, I believe I was accepted because of my personality. Un be known to me, my life was due to take an incredible turn a few months before my 17th birthday. There was a substitute teacher who joined my school, taking over the math’s class that I used to help out with. Within a couple of weeks in a whirlwind situation, I had moved out of my family home and was living with the “teacher” and with his two children, who are now my two step-children. I suppose you could say that the whole “romance” aspect in hindsight was nothing more than a school girl infatuation. Within two months I had already fallen pregnant with my first son and at the time I felt trapped. Having come from a broken home; my parents splitting when I was 4, I was determined not to provide my son with the same upbringing. I wanted to create what I thought was the perfect family situation, so I stuck it out. My Father cut me off. I had hurt him so deeply. I was always a daddy’s girl, choosing to live with him over my mother when I was younger. A lot of people would have presumed that I ran into the arms of the older man because he was providing freedom, a ‘grown up situation’ with no rules living as an adult! But this simply was not true. My Step-Mom and Dad always provided a good, loving household, with a strong focus on achieving, breaking moulds, having a good education and most importantly, strong family values- (My StepMom accepting me, and treating me whole heartedly as if she had given birth to me herself; (And to this day we are as close as a Mother and Daughter should be!). Over the years I have been thinking, naturally, as anybody would, what drove me into the arms of this older man. And I have come to this conclusion; Any child expects and needs a mother’s love, and although my Step-Mom has done an amazing job, my own mother never stepped to the plate. I think battling with the fact that my natural Mother had let me down is too much for any child to deal with. I had also placed a traumatic event, which involved being abused at the age of 11 to the very back of my mind, and on a daily basis struggled to keep all of these demons at bay. I reached a point in my life where I felt that I just wanted to get away, and saw this guy as my escape. So, at the age of 17 I gave birth to the most beautiful son any mother could wish for, and all of a sudden felt a love and warmth alien to me. I was actually happy, and although life was a struggle- (naturally my partner had lost his job as a teacher when we got together, I was studying my A levels and had a new born baby, and to top it off we inherited another 2 children from his previous relationship.) All of a sudden the joy that I had felt when I had my first son was quickly evaporating. I had become an 18year old raising 5 children, a teenager raising teenagers! The financial pressures meant that I had to pull out of University after the first year and start work. In my mind this is where the problems started to surface in our relationship. As soon as I started my first job, in an estate agent he became unbelievably possessive. He would sit outside my office in his car, watching me throughout the day and constantly monitoring everything that I did. I wasn’t allowed’ to socialise with colleagues outside of the working environment and I could forget about attending the staff Christmas party. As I had upset my Father and family by leaving, I had no real relationship with my Mother, and I didn’t socialise with any friends because it upset my partner if I did, and frankly I did not have the time. I felt so lonely, I had no one to talk to or confide in, all of my avenues had been cut off, and I realized by who. Slowly and systematically he had ostracized me from everyone apart from him. I was dependant on him financially, emotionally and physically and I had nowhere to turn. I cried myself to sleep each and every night and slowly 94
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my eating disorder creeped back. I was fighting a losing battle and sinking quick!! Just before my sons 3rd birthday I cracked. We had a massive argument and he cost me yet another job. The teenagers of the house were all at difficult ages, rebelling as teenagers do, disobeying rules that I set and generally disrespecting me. The stress of everyday life had caused me to miss-carry the baby that I was carrying; the baby that I thought would fix our relationship. I got on a train! I packed a rucksack and got on a train- to London. I had a friend that owned a hotel and a managed to get a room there for 2 weeks. I quickly got a job and started to set myself up. Because of the situation I had left my son in Birmingham. But after 6 weeks with only weekend visits, as a mother it is just not satisfying, but I was being held ransom. If I wanted my son I had to move back and worse get back with his father. So that’s exactly what I did. As sods law would have it I fell pregnant the night that we got back together. Our relationship at that time was incredibly volatile, and naturally when I was pregnant I couldn’t help but think that a baby was the last thing that was needed at the time. I contemplated the thought of having an abortion but when it came to the crunch I was unable to go through with it. A job opportunity arose for my partner in Ireland and we thought that a fresh start in a new country would be what we needed. WRONG! As soon as I arrived in Ireland that feeling of isolation and loneliness returned, only this time worse. I was in a totally different country, with many social and cultural differences and pregnant. The unhappiness that I was feeling was only heightened by the increasing violent state of the arguments with my partner. I had the baby and was suffering with post natal depression due to the situation; the baby was ill and stayed in hospital for the first 5 weeks. I had no support coming from anywhere and couldn’t cope with demands of day to day life. I had hit rock bottom and craved a way out, a solution to my problem. I made a weak cry for help, with a suicide attempt, but that only made my partner feel more ashamed and angry towards me. I remember clearly the first hit. If I close my eyes now and think about it, my face stings. We were arguing over a man that I had apparently looked at when I had taken the children to the park. I was holding the baby in my arms and he just struck me, in front of both of my children. I felt belittled and useless. I didn’t understand how in the space of five years I had become so weak. How had I gone from that vibrant teenager, running around creating school yearbooks and generally being happy to this; a woman slumped in a heap on the floor, no family, no friends, no money. You could say it took for that hit to wake me up, and it did. I decided that this was no longer the life that I wanted to lead. I wanted to be more than this, I wanted my sons to have a strong Mommy and be raised in a settled environment. I settled the baby and walked into the living room. I felt physically sick because I knew that I was about to put an end to my unhappiness. But also nervous because the reaction that I knew he was capable of could mean that I may not even see the next day! I told him in a quiet but firm voice, that I could no longer live like this. I told him that I hated the person that I had become, that I had no friends, and that my family had disowned me and my confidence was shattered. I couldn’t even bare to look in the mirror. I remember the cruel laugh that followed. I had just told him exactly what he wanted to hear, he had ‘succeeded in his mission’. He gave me a firm few taps in my face and proceeded to tell me “That’s because you’re a dirty Nigger.” And with that he sat down and continued to watch the TV. I Turned on my heels and walked out, calmly going upstairs. I sat on the end of my eldest son’s bed and stared at him for what seemed to be hours. I was so scared. I knew that I was going to leave and it had to be the next day. My biggest fear was the fear of the unknown; I didn’t have the means to get back to England financially. I didn’t know how I would be received by my family when I collected the courage to go and see them, but first and foremost I had nowhere to live, no food for the children and not a penny of cash. I had a rush of blood to my head, I was packing and going! I packed as many suitcases as I could physically take, as I had no intension to ever go back there. I chucked them out of the bedroom side window and dressed into my warmest clothes. I snuck down in to the kitchen and scrambled together some food for the children because I didn’t know how else I was going to feed them. I got my eldest dressed but www.trulifemagazine.com
begged him to play a game with mommy on how quiet we could be. His dad had fallen asleep in front of the TV as usual, so I was going to use this time to leave. I put the baby in the papoose packed his pushchair with bags and put a rucksack on my back. My heart was pounding; I felt that I could be sick at any moment. I successfully got the children out of the house and we cut across the fields and headed for the ferry port. When I finally arrived, I begged the woman on the desk to give me a ticket. I offered her my jewelry and any valuables that I had but all she kept saying was that there was nothing that she could do, and how sorry she was. My heart sank, I had got all this way and failed I wanted to break down on the spot but I couldn’t because I had to remain strong and reassuring for the children. I heard the voice of an angel behind me. ‘How much do you need dear? How much would get you back home?’ I looked around and stared at her in disbelief, could someone genuinely be this kind? Yes! The lady gave me the money for my ferry ticket, a train ticket from Wales and food for me and my children. I took her contact details and ensured her that one day I will repay her. The relief when the ferry pulled out of the dock was indescribable! When we arrived in England I had an amazing feeling of relief, coupled with an overwhelming sense of fear. I had no money, nowhere to live and no support system whatsoever, I just walked out on what I had depended on for the last five years. I know that the natural thing for most to do would be go to their parents, but in my case I didn’t have that option. I went to the police station in the centre of town, by the time that I had arrived there it was about 3am and after filling in forms they decided that I could sleep in a cell for a couple of hours, until emergency accommodation could be sorted. We were given emergency accommodation in a woman and children’s hostel. It was not the nicest of places, but It was a place to put my head for a while. After a week we were put into a house in a part of the city that was alien to me, and my new neighbors were less than desirable. I didn’t feel safe there, and I knew that I didn’t want the children to be in that environment. After going to the council continuously for two weeks they offered me a three bedroom flat in an area that I was familiar with. I knew that this was my opportunity to make a go of things, to make it work and to provide a settled upbringing for my children. Admittedly it was a struggle. Any mother would tell you that bringing up children on your own is difficult. There were moments that I felt the joy of having children, and moments when I felt incredible loneliness and was very down; the knowledge that I had worked so hard and gone through so much to gain my freedom back helped me through the darkest times. All that I wanted was to provide my boys with a steady, loving environment and ensure that they were well provided for. I knew that in order to do this I needed to get the baby into a good nursery- (the eldest had just started school full-time.) I wanted to get back in to the working environment. I joined a programme through the job centre which encourages single parents to get back in to work. I found them to be really supportive; they helped me with nursery fees and provided me with the facilities to find a job. I quickly found a job, and although it seemed weird to be going into a working world freely I was excited and proud of what I was achieving. I had a passion inside me that ultimately I wanted to pursue. I had always wanted to take dancing to a professional level, and I thought why stop now whilst I’m on a role. I rapidly got auditions and jobs dancing alongside DJ friends of mine and a lot of club and corporate work in London. I managed to fill up the weekends with dance work and held down my 9-5 in the week. After a while I managed to save enough money to move out of the council flat and get a house- I felt that I had outgrown the flat that had provided a great shelter for the last 2 years. At present I still dance and I am currently working alongside a great team at Tru Life magazine, whilst raising two great young men who have a happy mommy!!
Identification of the woman involved is withheld for confidentiality purposes.
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JEZTA & FELIX
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With the Midlands embracing this love of Funky House to arrive in the City, now is the perfect opportunity to recognise the people who deliver it to its full capacity. Jezta & Felix are fast becoming Birmingham's finest duo combination to emerge from the House & Funky scene. With Jezta as the DJ and Felix the host, they find a way to compliment each other to give ravers what they want, plus more then they expect. Because of this they have successfully built up a strong following and their energetic and inspiring combination sets are distinctive to anybody else’s.
On NewStyle Radio 98.7fm Every Sunday night from 10pm-12midnight
This cd is for all the ravers that have been following ‘F and J’ from the start and is part of a series, look out for the colour on the cd as each one is different. We would like to say thank you to everyone who has helped us and supported the movement, we have started something in Birmingham which we wish to continue with that same original vibe that the ravers love. Good Music & Good People.
streaming online www.newstyleradio.co.uk
punchjezta@hotmail.com felix.fireman@hotmail.co.uk
NEWSTYLE RADIO 98.7FM EVERY SUNDAY FROM 10PM - 12MIDNIGHT.
W W W . F U N K Y U N D E R G R O U N D . C O . U K 98
Photographer: Joanna Briggs
www.trulifemagazine.com
Styling: Samantha Cole
Model: Monika Vaskelyte
MUA:Lauren Baker/Aimee Ingram