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Jonathan Marc Stein
Riley Sawyer
JP CASTILLO
nick fury
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MC Great Daeg “VLAD”
scott page
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Ms. Jackie
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Musicians On Call
Who is Michael Troy Collection? “ Michael Troy Collection 1965 ” is a world-renowned, award-winning indie designer of luxury accessories and ready-to-wear. His namesake company, established in 2017, currently produces a range of products under his signature Michael Troy Collection 1965, Michael Troy Collection 1965 lis not just a name it’s a brand. These products will include accessories, footwear, watches, jewelry, women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, wearable technology, eyewear and a full line of fragrance products.directly or through licensing partners, in some of the most prestigious cities in the world, The company prides itself on hiring and retaining diverse talent and providing an inclusive work environment for all, while celebrating global events and
cultures that reflect the diversity, experiences and perspectives of people around the world. Behind this burgeoning empire stands a singular designer with an innate sense of glamour and an unfailing eye for timeless chic. Michael Troy Collection 1965 with in the fashion industry is striving to bring the news designs from its designers, Michael Troy Collection 1965 has been honored for his philanthropy, and earned the respect and affection of millions. Wholly dedicated to a vision of style that is as sophisticated as it is indulgent, as iconic as it is modern, he has created an enduring luxury lifestyle empire with a global reach. #MichaelTroyCollection1965
JONATHAN MARC STEIN We caught up with fashion Influencer
What is your role as a fashion influencer? I own and design for my own luxury clothing brand, JONATHAN MARC STEIN. What 3 things does anyone starting in your industry need to know? 1) The fashion industry is extremely com petitive; therefore, it is a difficult industry to break into successfully. 2) Launching a new fashion brand takes more financial investment than one might realize, as creating full collections and participating in fashion shows to create brand awareness is very expensive. 3) One must be very self-motivated, as it is a long journey fraught with many obstacles and challenges. Fashion choices are subjective. Therefore, there is no guaranteed path to make your designs stand out in this extremely competitive industry. What would you do differently if you were starting in your industry now? If I were starting my fashion career now, I would have chosen different people to work with initially, better fashion weeks to show my designs at, and invested less time in projects not advancing my brand or career. Which people or books have had the most influence on your growth and why? Most of my family and a few of my friends have provided incredible support in my fashion journey thus far. When I first started sewing and indicated that fashion is the career I wanted to pursue, they were immediately there for me, helping in any capacity. What color would be the worst to wear at a major event? It depends upon the person and his or her complexion, but a bright orange can wash the person out or even make him or her look like a garish traffic cone. What does Fashion mean to you and why? Fashion is an extremely important part of my life. It is a way to express myself and one’s individuality without ever having to say a single word. Fashion pro-
vides a means to exude inner confidence and reflect (your) unique personal style. What would you say is the #1 key to success in your business? Professionalism and perseverance are essential ingredients for success in fashion. Talk about the biggest failure you’ve had. What did you learn from it? Up to this point, I have been fortunate not to experience an epic failure. However, due to the nature of the business, many celebrities in the industry do not follow through or are extremely unprofessional. I have had to deal with this on a multitude of occasions. In some instances, after working 2 days without sleep to create custom looks for an influential singer, their team decided to go in a different direction and cast my work to the side. Eventually, I repurposed the looks and made some beautiful magic happen on the runway. These instances, though, influenced how I approach future celebrity opportunities. I now consider seriously the people I choose to work with and more highly value my time and effort. What has been your biggest success story? Why do you think it was a success? I have been extremely fortunate in my career. I have been featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine, dressed a multitude of notable talents on the red carpet and in editorials, been recognized on major best dressed lists, and received impressive press coverage of my work. Most recently, I launched my international debut as I unveiled my latest SS20 Collection at Arab Fashion Week in Dubai, UAE. As an American in a Middle Eastern market, I garnered numerous high praises from the press, the audience, and even from the Royal Family. As a result, I was awarded a Golden Forever Rose for best designer among so many huge talents such as Zurad Muhair, Rami Kadi, Iris Van Herpen, and more. This recognition provided validation that my career was progressing in the right direction and reinforced my ability to be a success in my chosen line of work.
What turns you on as a fashion influencer when you are looking to support a designer? (I am a designer so not sure how to answer this?) What does a typical day in your week look like? Most days are somewhat similar. I wake up and prepare for what is usually a busy day. Many days consist of working in my studio creating new looks for either celebrity clients, my showroom, or my latest collection for my next runway show. Tasks encompass sketching a new design, searching for the right material from local fabric stores, designing/sewing a garment, alterations for the perfect fit and more. Work hours vary depending on whether I’m working against a celebrity deadline for an event or creating 25-30 looks for an upcoming show. When working against a pressing deadline, I can easily put in 16 hours in a day or even work through the night. The other variable that can affect my day is whether creative inspiration is thriving, as I create the next new design that I hope will wow the fashion
industry. What keeps you going when things get tough in your business? When things get hard, there are several influencers that help keep me determined to further my career. The most essential help is the incredible support that I receive from my family, friends, and my team of hard workers. Another is the promise that there is always another opportunity. When a celebrity decides to pass, or a magazine goes in a different direction, there will always be another placement destined to have my name on it. What advice can you give others? Through determination and hard work, you can achieve any goal that you set for yourself. What is your website and social media handles? www.JonathanMarcStein.com @JonathanMarcStein
NICK FURY
We caught up with legendary Multi Platinum Producer Nick Fury. How you doing today sir? I’m doing well. We had a great meeting with Atlantic Records last night at our new home base studio. Bigger things to come !! How long have you been in the music industry? It will be 20 years at the top of 2020. What genre of music do you like to produce mostly for? And why. I actually don’t have a favorite genre. I do it all. Modern hip hop, trap, r&b, dancehall, reggae, rock and even country. I’m a real music producer with
an awesome ear for music in general. My resume is predominately hip hop and trap though. That’s how I came into the business so the demand for that sound from me is the biggest but wait until my artists on my new label Millinial Music are released from the other genres that I’ve produced. Not to mention myself as an alternative rock artist name PLAIN JOHN. How did you get start as soon a producer? I originally started in Atanta in the late 1990s with a production company I founded call New Jeru Entertainment. It was a crew of us similar to Wu Tang Clan. We did shows all over Atlanta and made a decent impact and name for ourselves. We all eventually moved on and I moved back to New Jersey, where I’m from. From there I started interning at a studio in Newark N.J. I was making beats on my off time in the back
room and they heard me play a song that I produced and rapped on. It was the last song I recorded before I left Atlanta. They offered me a single deal on their label for the song. That particular song ended up being the B side of the single and A side became the song they pushed. I ended up including the other 2 interns of the studio and we made a dope song and we formed a group called Creator. The single gained a little popularity locally but ultimately it got us a demo deal with Sony. They gave us free reign of Sony studios and that’s where I started networking with all the major artists that recorded there. One day I ran into Busta Ryhmes and Swizz Beats. Busta set up a meeting for me with his A&R the next day. I went and played one beat and the a&r said this beat is for Busta. That was my first placement. The funny thing is that it was never released but I gained so much popularity and connections from that and I also got paid my full amount of $15,000. Who was your first client? An old school hip hop artist was my first client. His name is King Sun a legend in many peoples eyes. I produced a song called “Come At Me”. Everyday on NY radio Funk Flex would play the song over and over at the 5 o’clock free ride radio show. That was my first taste of hearing my music on the radio. Who are some of your mentors back then and now? My first mentor was a producer in Atlanta from Connecticut names Red Baron. He taught me how to use a real sampler also how to sample and make your sound original not just sample any loop and I haven’t stopped since then. My next mentor would probably be Mike Caren near the beginning of my career. He taught me a lot , showed me the game and gave me most of my opportunities. He is now the President of Warner Music Group. Who have you produced music for? I’ve producer for a lot of artists I can barely remember all of them sometimes. I’ve produced on several T.I. albums , over a dozen B.O.B. Songs , Rick Ross, Young Dro, Busta, Cyhi the Prince, Nas, Wu Tang... Just to make a few. With more to come. Did you expect to be a house hold name on the music industry?
I never really expected to be a multi platinum music producer at all. I knew I wanted to do music because I loved it and also to keep me out of the streets. But still today I just feel like I’m a regular person like everyone else. I just chose to apply myself with music. So as a producer how important is it to have the right sound,and the right vocals when it comes to making a record? It’s all important from top to bottom, from beginning to end. When you hear a hit record everything sounds like a perfect marriage. It’s undeniable. I’m also an engineer so I take pride in how the track and vocals are mixed. Sonics and dynamics mean a lot. I learned from some of the top legendary engineers who now have pro tools plugins named after them. I learned the importance of it all from them. How important is it when it comes to mix and mastering a clients music? Like I said Sonics and dynamics are everything with music. Take for example one of the first exceptionally mixed albums “The Chronic” by Dr Dre. At the time it was ground breaking to hear hip hop music mixed so well. I take all of that in account when mixing and mastering music. I strive for a sound like Dre. What is the value when it comes to having your masters? Owning your masters is the secret to the game. It’s like do you want to rent that property or buy it and own it. When you own something you can lease and make money, you can sell it and make money. When you don’t own it as soon as you leave the situation you either no longer have any stake in it or a minimal amount. Ownership in life is the same as ownership in the music business. And is it important to have your music copyrighting? Yes it’s very important. It determines ownership to the composition and gives you legal power if a law suit or issue comes about. What do you think about meta-Data when it comes to music? Data is everything. It helps forecast what is to be and solidifies what has transpired through demographics and analytics. Data is one of the most powerful assets
today. Numbers don’t lie. You can actually see what people like and know where to go from there with data. Data is very valuable to advertisers whom are the people funding a lot of this free music etc. Money has to be made somehow. What’s your feed back on the way music has changed from then to now? I can complain because it’s all not good music but music has always changed and will continue to change. Rather than complain because it’s not exactly what I group up listening to I’d rather compromise without losing my integrity. Meaning I can create the sound of today but still putting my roots in it. So it’s a mixture of today and the history of music in general. I put my heart and soul in my music. I can’t just create something the way the everyone else is. I have to put my own touch, my own integrity. What is your opinion when hiphop and politics get together? Hip hop and politics should go hand and hand. I mean, the hip hop culture is one of the biggest influences in the world. That’s power. Power we should
be using to spread positive words and knowledge in a way that’s not preaching. Informing our culture on political situation so we know what going on. We hold the keys with our culture but we aren’t organized right now to take advantage of our own power. 2pac knew and started using his influence in a positive way. We have the power to influence an entire generation and presidential election. We have shown that before. We need consistency and strong leadership. Do you have a website / social media? IG : @nickfurybeats FB the nick fury What advice can you give up coming producers? The only advice I can give to up coming producers is respect those who have paved the way for you and learn from them. Collab with them. There is knowledge to be shared with both parties and lastly as simple as it may sound... Just don’t quit. No matter how hard it seems. I’ve heard early beats from producers who became legendary and they were terrible but they didn’t stop and made it to leave a legacy.
TENIA RENEE NELSON
What’s your name? or stage name? Tenia Renee Nelson Describe your sound? Genre? I play a kinds of music but I am rooted in Jazz. What got you into music? One day my auntie quit playing the keyboard and gave it to me. That is how I got started in playing. What’s your favorite song and why? To be honest, I really have no faves. Everything floats my boat. Do you write your own music? Why did you decide to become a songwriter? I do write. I write because I love coming up with innovative, challenging, fun and different compositions. It makes my heart happy when I can do this.
I do both. How has your music evolved since you first began playing music? When I first started playing, I was classical trained and also played jazz. These days I play all kinds of genres. So glad that I play all kinds of music because you get to meet lots of wonderful musicians and play so much awesome music! What musician would you like to collaborate with and why? There are so many that I would love to work with. Lizzo, Questlove from the Roots, Esperanza Spaulding, Benny Green, Bruno Mars are just a few that comes to mind. They are fun, innovative, fresh and hella mad talented! Are you a member of any music organizations? BMI
What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? What has been your biggest challenge as a indepenFamily and life. dent artist? Balance. Balancing family, teaching music and being Do you think these topics will change over time? an independent artist. It is hard, but it has to be done. Nope. Family and life are my "go tos”. Being a musician is who I am. Do you follow a formula when you write? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If I do not. Sometimes the harmony comes first, someso, how? times the rhythm comes first and sometimes the Still trying. Lol! Everyday struggle! melody. It depends on the day... Do you have any upcoming shows? How can fansWhich song did you have the most trouble writing? to-be gain access to your music? Songs in general are hard to write.....lol! I do. Visit my website at: www.teniareneenelson.com Do you ever play any covers or do you only play originals?
Photo Credit: Smiling at the Piano by Jack Sasson
MC Great Daeg has just released one of the coolest rap videos on the planet called, “Vlad”, a murderous, vampire-esq joy. Great Daeg, aka Daeg Faerch, is more than qualified to produce a music video of that intense caliber having portrayed the role of young Michael Myers in Rob Zombie’s horror remake of Halloween.
“Suffer the Little Children”, based on a story by Stephen King, “Sebastian”, and a bunch of other films and TV episodes. He has also been in a Blondie video, and celebrates a successful modeling career. Most recently aside from the rhyme, Daeg is also a sponsored bodybuilder by Insane Labz.
Named one of the all-time Top Ten Kids in Horror, and ranked number 2 greatest “evil kid” performance in horror, he can also be seen in the Will Smith’s film “Hancock”, “Wreck the Halls” with Mickey Rooney,
Always loving music and vampires from a young age, Daeg is actively rapping as well as filming new movies. I spoke with Daeg regarding his music journey as well as his film career....
What inspired you to rap? I’ve always liked music. I started playing piano when I was really young, I went to guitar, then bass and then drums. I started writing actually therapeutically, then I just kept writing music. Do you still play all those instruments? I don’t play them anymore, but I produce. Who were your musical influences? My mom raised me on Blondie, Billy Idol, and reggae. But my first favorite rapper was E-40 and still is one of my favorite rappers today. If you could have your ultimate stage fantasy, what would you need to happen? Just playing is good enough for me. I love performing. I mean the more theatrical it is the cooler. I like fire and shit... if the crowd is cheering me, I could stage dive... Do think that being in those scary movies influenced your music? It probably did, but I’m not one hundred percent sure because I was in Halloween so long ago. I’m sure it influenced the way I thought, I think even to this day. I’m not the biggest horror fan. I love vampires, that’s my thing. I LOVE vampires, that’s the reason my hair is long. I saw “Interview with a Vampire” when I was like 4, and I wanted to be them. It kind of just stuck. It’s obviously not the sole reason anymore why my hair is long. I love vampires too and that was a classic movie. Do you think you might pick up and go on tour? I really want to, I hope that that happens one hundred and ten percent. I have loved performing from day one. The second I could speak I started doing plays. I just wanted to be up there and perform. The same with the music, I just love being on stage. I could feel shitty right before I have to go on stage, but then 5 seconds into the performance I feel great. I saw a bunch of your videos and they are super unique and creative. Is it you who produces, designs, and conceives them? A lot of my videos I just make myself with my friends, laptop and phone.. Some of my best videos that I dropped this year were
actually done with different directors and editors. for example HOT AF, PULL YO HAIR and now VLAD. Aside from your music, you have some films coming up? I just finished a pretty cool stoner movie. I have a couple of movies that have come out within the past couple of years. One is called “Josie” starring Sophie Turner who played Jean Grey in “Dark Phoenix.” I have a couple of TV shows that are out right now. Which TV shows? Right now what’s up is “Now Apocalypse”, and also “American Vandals.” So, you’re like a triple treat. You’re a successful model as well? Yeah I do model. I’m working on my body actually. I’m sponsored by a pre-work out company. I’m technically a sponsored bodybuilder even though I don’t look like it. Where do you want to be in 5 years? Helping the world where it needs help. I want to be known as a great artist all the way around type shit, in modeling, acting, music...I love doing it all. Do you have any advice to give anyone who wants to be you? My advice is never tell yourself no, because there are plenty of people that can do that for you. If you tell yourself no you’re not giving yourself any chance. Keep at it and don’t be the one that’s telling yourself no. Let somebody else tell you no. There’s a chance they might say yes. Right! If you could have me ask you any question in the world, what would that question be? If I want a million dollars... Do you want a million dollars, and what would you do with it? Yes, I want a million dollars, and I would start off by buying a house for my mom, so she didn’t have to work anymore. That I’ve got it all covered. Then from that point I would start thinking about where I would want to put my money, like maybe an investment. Then I would also invest money in myself, like into my music studio. Maybe even produce a film.
You’re a color inside a crayon box, what color are you and why? Yellow. It’s bright, it’s nice, my name is Daeg which means daytime in Danish. I feel like my ora is yellow. A soundtrack of your life has just been recorded, what songs are on it? Start with “Stoked” then we would go to “What’s Happening” ...”Ok, I Think Im Getting the Hang of This”, and then this is more of the hopeful future “Boom, Got It Done.” What influences your songs?
“Life.” Like I stated, I originally started writing for therapeutic reasons, so if I’m fucking stoked about something you’re gonna hear it. But then take something like “VLAD”, I was feeling a little more blue, and that’s what came out. Check out the “VLAD” music video here: https://youtu.be/nrkpqplj6X4 Follow Great Daeg on the Web: Face Book : Daeg Faerch IG : @GreatDaeg YouTube: Daeg Faerch
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RILEY SAWYER Actress, Model, Influencer
Rising superstar actress, model and influencer, Riley Sawyer is creating a massive buzz with her daily documented Instagram adventures including her adorable rescue Pom-chi dog, Baby. Signed to an artist development group called The SIX Element Music Group, Riley learns about music while appearing in various music videos, including “My Best Friend’s Girl” by The Next Star: Season 3 winner, Diego Gomes. Her undeniable beauty, effervescent personality and natural talent quickly emerged as she became the number 1- voted “Sunshine Girl” by “Toronto Sun” readers for four months in a row, secured third place in her “Maxim Cover Girl” competition, and appeared as a bikini model for a product pitch on Dragon’s Den, ( the Canadian version of Shark Tank). Riley has also walked the runway for “Madison De Couture.” Originally hoping to become a figure skating competitor, striving to become Olympic class, Riley had her heart broken after sustaining skating injuries and 13 concussions later which crushed her dreams. Deciding to put her efforts into acting and modeling she has already celebrated orgasmic success and continues to grow in the industries.
I spoke to the Riley regarding her career, her journey, and her hopes for the future..... Tell me a little bit about Riley? Basically, I’m 20 years old and I used to love figure skating, but I had to stop because of concussions. That’s when I got into modeling. Right away within the first year, “Maxim” published me and the “Toronto Sun” started reaching out and I was in the media often. That’s when I decided that I should do acting and modeling full-time. I used to act when I was younger before I skated because my family owned an acting school, so I did several plays and took acting classes. You are probably one of the prettiest women on the planet, how do you feel about that? Thank you. I think beauty is in your personality. It seems like you definitely have a personality as well. Yeah, I definitely do. You’ve been heavily published, talk about that for a minute. I’ve been in “Maxim Magazine.” I am published in quite a few print magazines. I’ve been in the “Toronto
Sun” a lot with a lot of articles. The magazine doesn’t just go out to Toronto. but it also goes all across Canada. I’ve done a few music videos. How fun. I like doing the videos because I’m signed to a studio, so I work with artists a lot. I was also on the Canadian version of Shark Tank called Dragon’s Den. I was the model for one of the pitches. I also did the runway for a fashion line called “Maison de Couture”, which the Sun did an article on. They asked me to go on tour with them in January for nine months to places like Bangkok, but I decided that wasn’t for me right now. The Toronto Sun also does something called “The Sunshine Girl.” I was voted the top “Sunshine Girl” four months in a row. I did a short film at the drama school when I was 12, and I acted in “That Scatterbrain Booky” for a CB movie at age 7. If you pick any role to act as, what would it be? Like, “Legally Blonde.” I have a Pomeranian Chihuahua, and I’ve had her for eight years, she’s a rescue.
She’s been in one music video and has been in articles twice now. Everyone who meets me asks about her. Do you have an idol? Not necessarily to be honest, no. When you’re not in front of the camera, what do you like to do? Being signed in the studio, I’m usually there a lot. I like learning about music, I like working on my acting, and hanging out with my family. Where do you want to be in five years? In five years, I definitely want to be a full-time actress. I want to be doing movies and shows and be more established. Follow Riley Sawyer on the web: Facebook https: www.facebook.com/rileeysawyer/ Twitter @RileySawyer_ Instagram @Rileeys
SCOTT PAGE
Scott Page is not only on icon in the music industry having been the saxophone player for pink Floyd, Supertramp, and Toto, but he is also a technologist and an entrepreneur. 10Xs caught up with Scott regarding his musical career, his business ethics, and his technological advances.... Why did you choose the music industry as a career? I was raised in a musical family and was around music all of my life. I originally studied to be an architect and then got into a kid band with Jeff Porcaro and David Paich, who later started the band Toto. We started playing gigs around town and we were winning all of the Battle of the Bands, but what really inspired me to be a musician was at my drafting gigs I would drink 10 cups of coffee a day sitting at a desk but at the band gigs there was rock and roll and most important lots of girls. As a young man at that point It was an easy choice. During your musical journeys who comes to mind as some of the most fascinating people who have crossed your path? Wow, tough question. I have had the honor to meet and work with so many interesting people through the years in both music and tech. Folks like James Brown, Quincy Jones, Brain Wilson, Cher, Bill Gates, and Michael Milken were all extremely interesting and fascinating people so it’s hard to say who was the most fascinating, but there are several that stand out. One of the most memorable was when I got to meet Lady Diana during a Royal command performance at the Royal Albert Hall, when I was playing with Supertramp. Supertramp was her favorite band. It was for the Princess Trust to raise money for young entrepreneurs to help support their businesses, as an entrepreneur myself this cause was close to my heart. She was extremely beautiful and vibrant. Her eyes were gorgeous and that never really came across in her photos. You could tell right away that she was a very special person. Another person that comes to mind is Diana Ross who gave me great insights. Her presence and magnetism is extraordinary and had the power to always get the crowd up on their feet. It was as if she had some magic powers. I would watch her closely every night perform in front of 16,000 people. By watching her I started to learn so much
about her entertainment techniques. She had a set of patterns that would inspire everyone up every night. I studied her like crazy. She taught me the importance of show business in the sense of how to entertain the crowd. What is Think:EXP ? Think:EXP, (short for Think Experience), is an immersive entertainment company. It focuses on using technology to create new forms of live entertainment experiences and the platform needed to support this type of entertainment. We believe the next wave of entertainment will be based around unique experiences and the lifestyle associated with that experience. In a mobile world it’s completely oversaturated with media consumption and where you can’t really sell music anymore the question is what can you sell? The things you can sell as an artist today is the relationship, lifestyle and experience. My belief is that all artists need to focus more on their super fans. Roughly 60% of the revenue will come from the Superfans and what unique experiences you can offer. Can you give an example of some of the technology Think:EXP uses to enhance the fan’s experience? Aside from the actual immersive concert experience, Think is really all about using innovative technologies and really stretching the limit. One of the things we are working on now is interactive clothing. There is actually a chip built into the garment that allow us to connect and use the shirts as a piece of technology by using your phone and tapping the shirt that launches an interactive experience through the web. What challenges have you had thus far in your career and how did you overcome them? No question I’ve had my share of challenges in both music and the technology business. My motto “is it ain’t easy havin this much fun :).” However, I’ve been fortunate to have learned not to view setbacks in a negative way anymore. I now understand these challenges are actually all positive if viewed from a different point of view, a point of reality. What I mean by that is: what at the time seemed like a major setback actually turned out to be a major blessing in disguise over time. I do my best to stay focused 100% on the moment or the ride, because this moment is the only thing that is real, 2 minutes ago is an illusion and 2 minutes from now is an illusion. I’ve learned it is
much better and easier to deal with reality then the illusions the mind constructs. Looking back I am actually thankful for the challenges I’ve had. It’s strange how life works. Aside from being in three super-groups, Pink Floyd, Supertramp and Toto, I understand you were also a child prodigy and appeared on television shows when you were very young. Well, I wouldn’t say a child prodigy but I did start playing trumpet at an early age. My dad, Bill Page was wood wind player in The Lawrence Welk Band featured on a weekly television show for 14 years, so I grew up hanging out at the studios during the early days of TV. It’s crazy for me to think that today we have a global mobile broadcasting network in the palm of our hands. It’s mind boggling to see how far we have come in today’s media and technology. I remember one time on the show my dad and I water skied while he played two clarinets and I played my trumpet, they just don’t make TV like that anymore :) Here’s a bit of trivia, I’m the only guy on the planet who has played in both Pink Floyd and Lawrence Welk, now that’s a claim to fame. When touring with Floyd how did you spend any free time you might have had? I’ve always loved business. My dad was a serial entrepreneur. We had a boat business, a candy business, merchandising business, lighting business, and reed businesses. He was also one of the inventors of the historic Wah Wah pedal, so business has always been a part of my DNA. I decided that since I’d be on the road for the next 2 years with Pink Floyd I would take all my free time to study business. I’d be reading all of these business books and Gilmour would always ask me what I was reading. I would explain that it was a business book and that I was going to build a business after we got off the road. He would smile and laugh. That truly just inspired me even more. What or who’s influences have helped shape your career? I’ve been blessed to have played with the best of the best in my career, and have learned from many of them. First and foremost there was my pop who taught me curiosity and a ferocious work ethic, he
loved life. Dave Gilmour from Pink Floyd is my music guru. He taught me the power of playing melodies and completely changed the way I play today. Pink Floyd also taught me the power of a brand and how a world class Entertainment brand operates. When I played with Supertramp they taught me the power of teamwork and leveraging the individual’s strength. Each member of that band played a major but different role in operating the band and it was based on the strengths and weaknesses of each of the individual band members. Jeff Procaro, the drummer from Toto served as my mentor. He is without a doubt the single most important influence that motivated me as to why I am a musician today. He inspired me to practice and up my game. He taught me the “groove is a delicate thing’ how everything you feel revolves around timing, from playing your instrument to hitting a golf ball. Everything is centered around timing I also had the extreme pleasure to work with Quincy Jones who really opened up my eyes and taught me the power of intense presence. No matter who you are when you spoke to Quincy his attention was so focused on you. the whole world stopped and he totally connected with you with no distraction. Everybody I know loves Q You are a leader in the technological business world as well as a superstar in the music industry. How do you balance the two sides of the coin? It’s been my belief that making music and business is one and the same. It’s either a business or a hobby. If it’s a business, it’s about generating revenue and sustaining that business. So for me when I take on creative projects I always associate it with a business model, unless of course there is another objective for the project beyond money. Generating money allows me to continue doing my art. Most of the time if the project doesn’t have a business model that can generate revenue, I will move on to the next one that does. I believe you can be just as creative if not more creative when you associate a revenue generating business around your art. For me the art of business is just as creative as making the product. Do you have any advice for musicians just beginning?
Don’t put thy faith in the word of thy critic, for how is his record doing? :) Many Music industry people are passionate about giving back. I understand you have a couple of passions yourself? I believe in a conscious capitalistic approach to business of building “giving” into the business model. In 1992 I created a project called, “The Great Scientific Musical Theater” which was a multimedia concert and fundraiser to benefit The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.” The event raised $1 million through corporate sponsors. It was a onetime live concert event that married Hollywood and Silicon Valley together for the first time. It featured Cirque du Soleil, Jon Anderson from Yes, John Entwhisle from the Who, Graham Nash, Tower of Power, Todd Rundgren, Edgar Winter, and showcased the latest in Entertaiment technologies.
More currently, Think:EXP is involved in helping counter social and economic disparities in South LA along with Flea from the Chilly Peppers, Norwood Fisher from Fishbone and a host of other musicians and industry professionals in building The Watts conservatory of music. The Markham Middle School is plagued with gangs on every corner. With the help of Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, we are trying to raise money for the children in that area so that they will be able to become involved in music instead of the darker possibilities. The official website for Think:Exp may be found at https://www.thinkexp.co Photo Credits: Billy Hess
JP CASTILLO With over 3 million views on YouTube and 160K+ followers on Instagram, celebs and fans can’t get enough of Latin Urban Pop Artist JP Castillo. Music execs and fans are going wild for JP—most recently on J-Lo’s “It’s My Party Tour” and as a featured singer with the Dancing With The Stars Band for several seasons. JP has toured with the legends—Jacksons, J-Lo, Frankie J, and more. All eyes are on him as he continues breaking all music barriers. Branded by his vocal ability and charismatic stage
presence, audiences are captivated by JP’s magnetic performances, regardless of language or cultural differences around the world. JP has a drive that is second to none and is looking forward to sharing more of himself through his music. Tap into his inspiring journey as Xs10 in JP’s revealing interview below. The music industry is tough....why pick that as a career? It’s really the other way around—music picks you. You can’t escape it, it’s a calling.
What’s the best advice ever given to you and why? I was once told, “we all have the same 24 hours.” That always stuck with me. Anyone who ever accomplished anything great only had 24 hours per day to do it. I also heard The Rock say that, so I’ll just give him the credit. Good looking out DJ! Growing up who did you listen to on the radio? I listened to everyone and everything. I’m a musical sponge. What made you decide that music was your destiny? I decided music was my destiny when I won my high school talent show. Sounds corny but whatever, it’s facts. What year was the best thing about playing live? The best thing about live performances is the energy exchange between me and the audience. It’s an experience that we share. It creates a bond that, to me, is very unique for each performance. If you could choose any order to perform with in life who would it be? I would love to perform with Celine Dion, Queen, Justin Timberlake and Alejandro Sanz. Are you a songwriter, and if so, what inspires your writing? I am a songwriter. My writing comes from a place of creativity and expression. I don’t always write from personal experiences. I like to tell stories and take the listener on a journey. If you could pick two musical parents who would you choose and why? Good question. I might have to go with Michael Jackson and Celine Dion. MJ, to me, is the greatest artist of all time. Celine is my favorite female singer of all time. Combine those 2, and I would be the Thanos of music. What bridges are you glad you burned? I don’t believe in burning bridges. Even if it seems like a bridge might be burned, you never know. Life works out in funny ways sometimes. So there’s my PC answer...
What was your biggest musical challenge thus far and how did you overcome it? Recently I recorded a trap-ish type of song that really pushed me to find a new voice. I’ve always been more of a singer, so that trap delivery was new to me. I’m not one to back down from a challenge though. It really takes understanding the vibe and a swag to get the point across the right way. We overcame, mission accomplished for sure. Just had to have a willingness to go outside my comfort zone. You’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish when you do that. Pretty proud of myself on that one. Check it out. The song is called “Reemplazo.” Look it up! If you could be asked any question in the world what would you want to be asked and how would you answer? Question: Why are you so sexy? Answer: God made me like this. Do you believe music can change the world? I absolutely believe music can change the world. Music has already had so much positive impact on the world. It brings us together. I’ve traveled so much, and I always see people in different cultures and different parts of the world listening to the same music we all listen to. It makes people forget about hate and reminds us we are all people. We’re all built the same. It makes things simpler. When you are not doing music, what do you like to do? When I’m not doing music, I like watching sports, going to the movies, binge watching some tv show, playing basketball. Stuff like that. Are you working on any new projects at the moment? Yes I am. Always working. I’m exited to release a lot more content in 2020. Be on the lookout! Do you have any advice for future PopStars? Grow some thick skin! Be ready to roll with the punches, and don’t shy away from growing pains. Work harder than yesterday. And last but not least, follow me on social media @jpcastillomusic
We caught we the very sexy Latin model
Ms.
Jackie
What are your best features? My looks Do you do nude or semi-nude modeling? Yes I do How did you get started in modeling ? I started modeling after I was being messaged by multiple clothing pages to model for their lines. And why semi-nude modeling ? I do either nude or semi because I have a story to tell and love myself enough to feel comfortable enough to work magic in front of the camera. What does it feel like when you do semi-nude model? When I do semi nude modeling I feel like art in one with a touch of sexy and difference. Do you like modeling? I love modeling. So being a model do you feel it’s a competitive issue? As a model I don’t feel like it’s a competitive issue because we are all different, have different stories to tell and there’s enough room for everyone, variety is good. What do you love about being a model? It makes me feel accomplished when I help insecure people come out of their comfort zones. What do you hate about being a model?
What I hate about being a model is that people judge us based on pictures or roles we play instead of getting to know us. Tell us about your world as a model? My world as a model is exactly what they say “you don’t know what happens behind closed doors” people think I like to drink and party because that’s what models do, but in reality i rather be at home smoking a joint watching the ID channel. What kind of music do you like to listen to and why? I like to listen to all types of music depending on the mood and situation …but you’ll find me listening to rap most of the time. What’s are your dreams when becoming a model? My dreams when becoming a model are to help others learn about themselves or are trapped in the idea of what are people going say. What fuels you to be great and successful? What fuels me to be great and successful are my fans and followers but most importantly a person that calls me mom. What makes you happy in your modeling world? What makes me happy in my modeling world is all the positive attention and vibes that I receive on the daily. Social media IG: Jackietheaf1
Musicians On Call?
BY LADEA ALLEN
It's no secret that music can help you feel better...
The holidays are a time of comfort and cheer, togetherness and joy, and with Thanksgiving upon us and the Christmas holiday briskly drawing near it seems as if everyone is more contentious of helping others. Even at a time full of heightened giving we sometimes forget that people are in need throughout the year and some of the most crucial needs we as human beings have are not monetary. As humans, our needs are not just in the physical sense and although clothing, a meal, and shelter are requirements for daily survival, even those with the most giving hearts occasionally forget the power of human connection. Music has always been a conduit for human connection. Music facilitates communication going beyond words, enables meanings to be shared, and can induce physiological, movement, mood, emotional, cognitive and behavioral responses.
Few other stimuli have such a wide range of proven effects on so many human responses. It is no wonder evidence of musical instruments has dated back 43,000 years. Throughout time music has always evoked emotion, set the mood, fueled social movements, even defined generations. Now music is entering the hallowed halls of the medical practice. The power of music to act therapeutically has long been recognized as an effective way to promote relaxation, ease anxiety and pain in medical and dental procedures, and promote well-being through the production of particular endorphins. Its therapeutic uses have been explored extensively with particular groups of patients, the elderly, those with brain injury, and those with persistent pain. It has also been used to promote tolerable behavior in vulnerable groups and enhance the quality of life of those who cannot be helped medically.
"Music is this wonderful tool that can change and shape your day, your mood, your memories. Because of those reasons, there was no choice but to bring music to people that need it most.” -Michael Solomon, Co-Founder of Musicians On Call
A WORLD FILLED WITH THE HEALING POWER OF MUSIC
750,000 AND COUNTING... PATIENTS, FAMILIES, & CAREGIVERS TOUCHED BY A PERFORMANCE 90 PROGRAMS IN 20 MAJOR MARKETS ACROSS THE COUNTRY