The Unanimous Mag by The Unanimous Mag

UNANIMOUSMUSIC.COM

don’t forget to visit

contents 06

Jasiatic

Armada Skate Shop

Jason Waters

Luke McKaye

Ana Ogbuez

William Puckett

36 Emmett Till Tribute THE UNANIMOUS MAG CEO Kino Watson

38 Top 5 Tv Shows

Editor Natalie Gardner Eric Davis Creative Director/Designer Tiffany Nicole Burns Photographer Kevin Mitchell

Unanimous Music Group 1000 NC MUSIC FACTORY BLVD, CHARLOTTE, NC 28206

ÂŠ Unanimous Music Group 2013 All Rigths Reserved

ISSUE | AUGUST

THE UNANIMOUS MAG 2013

ISSUE | AUGUST

CREATIVITY

One of Queen City’s most beautiful photographers and women, Jasiatic Anderson, has been around the city and in the art of photography for many years now. Calling it, “the city of transplants,” she is often inspired by culture, personal family, indigenous ceremony, colors, and the hidden beauty of things. Documenting various things that was close to her heart, but also made a difference in social change. Jasiatic has emerged as one of Queen City’s favorite artist. 6

THE UNANIMOUS MAG 2013

Article by Marley Luciano | Photography by Surf Mitchell

ISSUE | AUGUST

er works began over a decade ago, when she began shooting pregn ancy and bir th photos. The document ation and exposure st arted off as a hobby and over the years, spread. Motherhood plays a major part in her photography. Not calling it a theme, because Jasiatic feels that art comes from the soul. “ I don’t shoot in any particular theme because I’m told so, or because it’s my style or my lane.”

Jasiatic shot for Creative Loafing for five years, doing many things such as working on projects featuring President Obama, and different events around Charlotte. “ Photography is my medium.” Jasiatic’s last show was called “ Nothing Personal” based on what single motherhood is like. The show also covered topics such as p o l i t i c s , s ex u a l i t y, b e a u t y, a n d r e a l l i fe.

“

A person has many roles in life, so that’s basically what I captured within the show.

One of Jasiatic’s most recent avenues in art and sociality is her dance party “Su Casa.” Her involvement with the Dharma lounge started with Mi Casa. Mi Casa began after Jasiatic had a hard time finding a place to go dance and listen to the type of music she’s into, which is soul house music. “ I used to go to Halo before it was called Halo, but then it closed so I went to some other clubs. Then, I had an idea, why don’t I utilize my connection of DJ’s and start our own parties.”Her DJ friends felt the same as she did about the club scene and the music. So they started to throw parties at Jasiatic’s loft 8

THE UNANIMOUS MAG 2013

So they started to throw parties at Jasiatic’s loft apartment. Their focus was good music and dancing every Friday. “ I called it, Mi Casa. The word got around and people started to come out, but things started coming up broken and the apartment became too crowded. I had to find a bigger location.” So, after talking with another friend, who was an editor, they approached the owners of Dharma Lounge about using the location. “ Dharma was more than receptive with our idea because traditionally they’re a house club.” Soon after a beautiful partnership formed. Thus came the creation of the event “Su Casa.” The party was created for all people to come and dance. It’s a place where

people can release stress, enjoy time with friends, and hear great music.” I would love to see younger faces and people not afraid to dance and have fun. We play soul music it doesn’t feel like the club.” With Jasiatic still on the rise to do bigger and better things and Su Casa still in motion, there seems to be no slowing down for this creative woman. Ceckout her website www.jasiatic.com.

ISSUE | AUGUST

MUSIC

SaRa CORBIN Southeast Missouri born and damn good with a guitar, this woman is going places. Charlotte has no idea what talent is hidden in its city streets. Sara Corbin is on the rise to prove that she is more than a local folk singer; she is a queen of all genres… Author | Natalie Gardner / Photo | Surf Mitchell

THE UNANIMOUS MAG 2013

ISSUE | AUGUST

BUSINESS

ARMADA SKATE SHOP On the rise in East Charlotte is Armada Skate Shop. Many, of you skateboarders may have already heard the buzz or been inside the shop, to know that Armada Skate Shop is a must “stop-in” type of place. Article by Marley Luciano | Photography by Surf Mitchell

THE UNANIMOUS MAG 2013

ISSUE | AUGUST

While conversing with Patrick, Unanimous has come to know the Armada Skate Shop much better. Originally, having its doors opened in 2010, Armada was located on Central Ave. right above Reggae Central. Upon, not receiving the expected success its first couple of years, the shop was relocated just a few blocks away in the Plaza Midwood area of Charlotte. “We weren’t visible and didn’t have any curve appeal, we needed something that was more visible and made parents comfortable when dropping off their kids,” Patrick mentioned. Armada has been a dream come true for Patrick and Matt, who have long had the passion for skateboarding. “For, my fifth birthday I got a skateboard which inspired me to skate, but I wasn’t able to do any tricks. Then, one day this guy came out of nowhere and said, cool skateboard let me show you what I can do. He ollied the highest I had ever seen. He made an impression on me so well, I knew that was what I wanted to do so I kept practicing.” This inspiration seemed to fuel Patrick up. He was driven to become a skater, but not just your average skater. “ “There are three types of skaters; those who have to measure their intensity, those that live it, and those who to them it’s a hobby. Some people just want to skate to get themselves from point A to point B. Then, to the next guy it’s about learning all of the tricks. 14

THE UNANIMOUS MAG 2013

“

wners, Patrick Carroll and Matthew Flecther have been around the community for years. Both are Charlotte natives, and have been great friends since they were kids. Unanimous, had the opportunity to sit down with Partrick and chop it up for a while.

There are three types of skaters; those who have to measure their intensity, those that live it, and those who to them it’s a hobby.

Then you have long boarders who just love to cruise,” replied Patrick when asked if he thought skating was considered a sport, hobby, or lifestyle.

After, working at several other skate shops around the city, good business and developing good relationships has brought the partners, Matt and Patrick, a good bit of success. Even, giving the guys the attention of several branding companies. “We plan on expanding as much as we can and definitely trying to find a better location.” “We’re located on 1200 Plaza Suite A-1, come in and see us. You can expect a lot more products coming in, more branding, and more events coming soon. I would like to shout out two of the best skaters in Charlotte Trey Boyd and Zay Belton.”

ISSUE | AUGUST

THE UNANIMOUS MAG 2013

ISSUE | AUGUST

ART

N O S

A J

WATERS Skating never looked so good. Jason Waters pushed his art to the fullest and allowed his love for skateboarding to pave the way to his success. Author | Natalie Gardner / Photography | Surf Mitchell 18â&#x20AC;&#x201A;

THE UNANIMOUS MAG 2013

ISSUE | AUGUST

more inspiration he gained to create more art. “You see art is everywhere, in magazines, on skateboards, and TV. But having an idea and making it tangible allows me to appreciate what skateboarding has allowed me to do with my art. I expanded in so many ways. I started out drawing, then came painting, and then came photography.” Jason has done many things in the sateboarding community. He was involved in the Black Sheep skate shop come up. While attending UNC Charlotte, he came across the Black Sheep sticker that said, “Yes yes y’all Black Sheep coming soon.” When they finally opened he would go to the shop and get to know them. He offered them his art services by telling them he would do t-shirts and put his art on the skateboards. “I feel they gave a lot of credibility to me as an artist,” says waters.

ou’re never too old to be the kid you used to be, and Jason Waters is the proof of that. With 25 years of skateboarding under his belt, he doesn’t seem to be stopping any time soon. When he was young he started skateboarding, he tried BMX free styling. He later realized when he moved to Charlotte, North Carolina and met 20

THE UNANIMOUS MAG 2013

his best friend, that skateboarding was something he was always meant to do. Along with his love for skateboarding the strongest love he had was for art. When he first started out doing art it was nothing more than a hobby. In school he usually didn’t think of his work as being the best in class, but he enjoyed drawing. The more he accelerated in skateboarding, the

In addition to being involved with Black Sheep he decided to start taking photos for skatecharlotte.com with another photographer Dave Cajuers. Jason also created a trilogy of his skate videos he called it “Time Capsule.” He also feels that he give inspiration to the younger skaters who cruise around Charlotte. “I had a skate release video at a skate park, after the film was over the skaters got up and started skating. I felt like I inspired them to skate that day.”

“

You see, art is everywhere...in magazines, on skateboards, and TV. But having an idea and making it tangible allows me to appreciate what skateboarding has allowed me to do with my art.

“

In the end Jason Waters continues to skate for the love and art of it. He doesn’t look at it as being a type of sport that demands tricks and flying through the air. Feeling the wind hit your face as you ride around the city and sharing good times with friends is what’s most important. ▣

ISSUE | AUGUST

S PO R T

“

M l tic

li ta

“

K LU

e all have a passion for something and Luke McKaye pushed his passion beyond it’s limits and transformed himself from a corporate world worker, to an unstoppable dreamer. Originally from the state of Ohio, he looks at Charlotte as being his true home. He attended school in West Virginia and earned a degree in Finance. After college he got a job in the corporate world. He knew deep down that he should be doing something he really enjoyed, and that was skateboarding. “I found myself in board meetings, flipping my pencil like it was a skateboard. Thinking about who was skating and what moments I could catch”. Says McKaye. At the age of 26, around 2007, he left his job to start a skateboarding clothing company. It ran for a while and was doing well but due to a lack of funding the business slowly came to a close. After the business McKaye thought to himself, “What can I do to make me happy”? He never grew out of wanting to skate all day everyday. He felt that with what he learned in business school would help him do well in the company. But through the creation and failure of the company he realized what he truly loved to do. McKaye will always be a skateboarder first but he wanted expand his talents to help others.

I love to help people get exposure through the videos and photos I take.

E AY

he itc

He started doing photography and videography two years ago, he took photos for a website and gained experience each photo at a time. “I like the feeling I get when I go on trips. People count on me to get their tricks on camera. I feel like they push themselves a little bit harder when I take photos of them”. Skateboarding photography has allowed his talent to grow into more than a vision. McKaye has become very involved in the charlotte skating community, changing as many lives as he can. You can find Luke McKaye’s photos on his Facebook page Luke McKaye Photography and on Instagram at @ lukeshootsphotos.

THE UNANIMOUS MAG 2013

ISSUE | AUGUST

LIFE

The Power Of

DA N C E Ana Ogbueze founder of Charlotte’s own hip hop Dance District studio is full enthusiasm, love and passion She’s fired up and full of ideas for the Charlotte’s dance future. Article by Natalie Gardner | Photography by Surf Mitchell

THE UNANIMOUS MAG 2013

ISSUE | AUGUST

New York City, and Atlanta to take classes and

what she does is for the love of it and the love

expand her dancing style. When she returned

of helping others. She enjoys bringing hope

to Charlotte she got the idea to start her own

to those who feel there is nothing out there

dance studio. In 2010 the Dance District was

for them; she aims to bring the hidden talent

created. She saw that there was so much talent

in Charlotte to the light. She is always setting

in Charlotte that wasn’t getting noticed, she

new goals. Her biggest goal is to go nationwide.

knew that something had to be done, so she did it.

loved watching “ Ipeople dance.

www.dancedistrict.com to find out more information on classes and upcoming events.

“

I used to get a tingling feeling.

You can view her website

Ana wasn’t always the outgoing and energetic dancer that she is now. She was the shy girl

t’s nine in the morning and the

This Greensboro native is the definition of

weather outside is at a solid thirty-five

hard work. She had a dream and made it reality,

degrees. Walking up to the outside loca-

with a little help from the Man up above, and

tion of founder Ana Ogbueze video shoot,

she’s nowhere close to slowing down. Ana

the dancers were in the process of working

moved to Charlotte in 2003 to attend school

on one of the routines. It was fast paced and

at UNCC, she became apart of the Bobcats Lady

well put together. Every move was pushed for

Cats dancers and performed with them for

perfection. Ana, in front of the triangle formed

four years. After her departure from the Lady

dancers called for a five-minute break.

Cats, she decided to travel; she traveled to LA,

THE UNANIMOUS MAG 2013

that was too afraid to “do” and only watched. “I loved watching people dance, I used to get a tingling feeling. I knew I had to break my shy ways. So I did”.

She gains inspiration

from artists and choreographers such as Janet Jackson, Tina Landon, Laurieann Gibson, and most of all her parents. They lift her up and give her the support she needs to keep going. In the end, Ana’s motivation to keep doing ISSUE | AUGUST

C U LT U R E

} F

WILLIAM

PUCKETT

rom the hallway floor of Amelieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Red @28th to the colorful bridge that tells a story in the historical art district, NoDa. William Puckett has made his mark in the city and it will never be forgotten. We caught up with William at his home located in the NoDa area. Pulling up to an ordinary house, in an ordinary neighborhood, William Puckett walks from the backyard of the house next door to the one he lives in. Wearing overalls with the pants legs rolled up and brown paint covered boots along with his paint-covered hat. He did a friendly wave, turned around and walked toward his back yard where painted murals sat outside to dry. Walking into his second house that held most of his work. He pulled the old heater in the room and sat down in his rocking chair and we began the interview.

Interview by Natalie Gardner | Photography by Surf Mitchell

28â&#x20AC;&#x201A;

THE UNANIMOUS MAG 2013

ISSUE | AUGUST

What work have you done around Charlotte and other places? I have shown my art in other places that have been rather small but almost 90% percent of my work is here in Charlotte. I’ve to date covered about 30,000 sq ft with my murals. That’s been over the last six or seven years. I started my big piece in 2005, which is the floor in the atrium area of the 28th Red Building which is where Amelie’s islocated. The floor in the atrium was my first big piece. It is a floor and has been treated as such. It isn’t in the top shape that it once.

Do you do a lot in the NoDa area? Mostly in the NoDa area, it’s really the only area in town that I can do the things I do. I grew up kind of out near Mint Hill. It’s a beautiful place, country suburban but not too many folks. There are paintings on the side of buildings of historical stories or just green faces and all the extreme stuff that I like. Most of my work is here because, with it being the Art District, there’s so much more open for alternative treatments of spaces or the ideas of changing some of these almost forgotten places landmarks.

Where are you from? I was born Opelika, Alabama and raised in Charlotte, NC. I graduated from Independence High School.

How did you get started and when did you discover you wanted to be a painter? I got turned on to the idea in the 10th or 11th grade. My art teacher, Mr. Hester at Independence, had a lot to do with it. He was the first person to tell me that I could make a living in the arts. He said “Everything you see around you is designed by somebody so it is possible.” When you’re making things that you like, you can be one of those people too. I’ve always enjoyed creating things with my hands. It was an avenue I wanted to pusue. It wasn’t until my junior year of college, when I was in a drawing class, that I realized I wanted to be a painter. But I enjoy pictures and stories with pictures and that is what my work has become. 30

THE UNANIMOUS MAG 2013

ISSUE | AUGUST

Have you’ve done any gallery crawls? Yeah, I’ve done some or been a part of and did a duo show with a guy who did partner shows in town. The kind of work that I do doesn’t sell very well at gallery crawls. I didn’t do well selling my originals during the gallery crawls. For that was some of my attraction to the murals and the public art. So many people will walk past a wall or drive under a bridge, than go in to a galley. I use figured based images to tell a story through personal interactions within the pieces.

What inspires you? What keeps you motivated? I really want to keep my job. I love it. It would be a great mistake to take getting what I do for granted. I enjoy being able to do what I want to. But I do create very explicit scheduling on different topics. Sometimes I don’t always stick to it. I try to create routines. It can be work, but it can also be fun. I use figure-based images to tell a story through personal interactions within the pieces.

“

I really want to keep my job. I love it. I enjoy being able to do what I want to.

How would you describe your art? With the murals there are specific storylines. There is interpretation that can be made. They tell a story, in one frame or on the bridge or in various frames. I describe the bridge as a big children’s book. I think of it as a linear way of story telling. I’ve been exploring with splatter painting and even then I see a story them. I like that I didn’t control the paint and they created story of its own.

THE UNANIMOUS MAG 2013

What Advice would you give other artists? Work hard. Research, practice, and repetition are big things. There are different types of art that can be made, explore it. But be patient because it can difficult at times. Make sure you stick with it.

You can find William Puckett’s work on his website www.williampuckett.com ISSUE | AUGUST

PO E T R Y

E Y B D O GO A Tribute By Natalie G

ardner

eet me m to t u o g in n n ru e y cousin cam M ready to , e c , a s f u b is e h in t On th n e with excitem as usual. le b u o tr e s u a c y pass b Watching the hours d, I ran in e rt ta s r u to y m t e Excited to g . d rl o w s down. w e g a n b a y r e m v o w c re is d th d to n a Waiting the shack om the r f d e g Cuz?” n y a a h d c e ly th w r o lo f s n y la r p e The scen e dusted “What’s the th to o g a ic h C f o concrete streets store.” e th to n ru ts le i. t p u “A lot, man. B roads of Mississip fields and ig te b ta d s e s n s w a p to p e u w y d m Following behin round. I waved goodbye to autiful down South. be and black folk all a smiled hello to the usin starts to o c ever say n y m e m re ld to s o t e s th y g a Enterin My momma alw ys meant forever. a shop, goodbye said it alw

I saw her. w? o n n e k th e d h s n A s e o d t a h But w and hair the et in e k m s I le n a o p ti a h n it ti s w e s d my g leg Finally pulling up to uncle in his run down Lon r of sunshine. All I could do was ee colo enjoying s a w I w o n my long time no s k r e h t whistle. To le . s n a e j ll ra e v o my view. a n e e b It sure has ? c n U n d quickly o n a g d in e o d g n e f ts f o e “Wha m t She looked a .” while walked away. lied “how p re d n a n ri g a sin went h u it o c w e y m m d f te e e li e re b g is e d H Shocked in ’s my sister?” w o h d n a w e h p e n are you silent. just how and so am I.” s ll t’ e a h w l T a . m re e g th in o to d lk ’s “She “We don’t ta uck that it is down here.” tr n w o d t a e b e lu b We hopped in his ssed by. a p t a ere I come th h in w a e tr s u e a c th e n b a y z th r ra e c was loud “Well that’s woman.” a is n a m o is w s a d a m o fro nd damaged r a n r to r e v o g in Driv sed to. u t o n ly ur day. e o it h in it f e w d n o m I’ d g ie in rr a th c e We som shack that n w ro b m o ro d e b o Arriving at a tw

THE UNANIMOUS MAG 2013

ollow. f to t u b e ic o h c o n I had e from the g n ra f o t u o t o g e w The further orried. w t e g to d e rt ta s I shack the more ember m re d n a d a e h e th to Then I felt a blowitting my face, the knives only the fists h brown skin. ing into my tt u c . is h f o s d n e ri ily and f nt limp. e w y d o b I met friends of fam y m l ti n u s k constant kic e h T s a w it w o n d n an end a dy like o b y m The day had comeeto g in v a le th I felt my brea ently kissed by death. time to head hom . I was being g I sho was d n a y d a re g in tt e g t fired. o h s d u Supper was lo a s a w rd a The last thing I he hungry. s darkness. knew it I a I w re o w f a e s b d I n a ll a y b And then The night flew was asleep. te and ta . s n e n k w a w to a p u s a y w m I e to k e a h I waved goodby e beautiful down south. But with a rowdy s hello to th d ile m ty s ir d is h in le c n by my u never say Snatched out of sbed e m ld to s y a lw a a My momm orever. f t-shirt and jean t n a e m s y a lw a it odbye. Said o g .” u o y e e s “Some people here to know? e h s s e o d t a h w t u g B n tion wonderi u a c h it w e id ts u o d I walke T TILL e of night. T m ti _ E is M th M _ e b E it ld u o c who ding there n ta S . m ‘e f o 4 e There wer waiting for me. of them h c a E . ig b d n a ll ta , They were pale holding a gun. Lets take a . y o b , u o y lk ta to “We want walk.” see fear ld u o c I . le c n u y m t I looked back a ld me to go on. I could tell in his eyes. He toe to go. he didn’t want m

ISSUE | AUGUST

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

TOP

5 SHOTVWS

THE WALKING DEAD

Based off of the comic, “The Walking Dead” leaves you on the edge of your seat holding on tight to who ever is close to you. This blood-gushing, body-ripping show prepares all people for the Zombie Apocalypse that everyone is waiting for. This show follows Rick Grimes, former sheriff of police leading a group of people and his son to only a safer place than the last. With “Walkers” surrounding the group in each direction and a crazed control freak named the “Governor”, Rick has more on his hand than he can handle.

MAD MEN

2013 1

SCANDAL

Hard-working, political fixer Olivia Pope can fix any problem--from the White House to the deepest Scandals that could make history. Olivia and her team of Gladiators come together to cover up and fix what has been broken. Along with her headstrong personality and her steamy relationship with the President of the United States, she has her hands full with scandals of her own. 36

THE UNANIMOUS MAG 2013

Advertising never looked so good. Mad Men is set in the era of the 1960’s when men were the breadwinners and women were trying to make their dent in the world. The show focuses on Don Draper, married with children but still remains the ladies man and top businessman in the company. But as the time goes on he starts to have a hard time adjusting to the changing times.

BREAKING BAD

Chemistry teacher and soft spoken Walter White has been diagnosed with Cancer and only has two years to live along with a pregnant wife and a handicapped son. To make sure that his family is secure when he dies, he teams up with his former student to start making and selling crystal meth. They run into different drug lords as their product and reputation starts to grow.

DOCTOR WHO

“Why should we trust you?” “Because I’m the Doctor”. Doctor Who is a show that has made history. Originated in the 60’s, it was cancelled in the year of 1989, but was brought back to the BBC network in 2005 and ever since the shows been going strong. Hitting mainstream with every episode, the show is about a man who is not human but the last of his kind the “Time Lords”. Doctor Who saves the universe from anything that threatens it and brings new friends with him along the way.

ISSUE | AUGUST

THE UNANIMOUS MAG 2013

ISSUE | AUGUST