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Letter from The Editor
Dear Reader, It is an absolute pleasure to welcome you to XS10 Magazine as we start our 8th year of publication. This year brings about changes, as our founder and visionary, Michael Neely of XS10 Magazine being the Editor-in-Chief. While the core of Xs10Magazine is the same, Staff and I are not—with this, you may see Xs10magazine change a little. We will be centering each individual print magazine around a theme: Tradition (issue seven), Identity (issue eight), Resistance (issue nine), and finally Metamorphosis (issue ten). We hope you will still be loyal readers and will welcome the changes to come; and are so thankful you are here reading now. Xs10Magazine is a hybrid, sexy, urban lifestyle and consumer magazine. We present a unique blend of entertainment news from around the globe. Xs10Magazine embodies a unique combination of edgy articles that feature a wide coverage of Music, Film and Fashion: A-list celebrities, promising newcomers, sports figures, new technologies, fashion, politics, sex, health, and travel. The origin and intentionality behind our name, Xs10Magazine, is simple: “Xs10” means you have too work twice as hard to get to where you need to be and view or perspective. We are glade in sharing the views, perspectives, and stories of People around the world. Our mission is to bring the Entertainment community thoughtful and engaging commentary on political and social issues, to our readers . As a publication, we do not advocate for any specific political ideology, but we have set standards regarding the posting of harmful and denigrating pieces as it relates to minority groups. We see our platform as a sacred space of people voices, and thus, view that it is our responsibility to highlight the diversity on Xs10magazine and to use our platform as a space of learning and education and diversity. Our intention is to host a platform for writers to share their political opinions, faith stories, and creative works. That is why we exist. The freedom of speech, however, does not mean the freedom of hate speech. We would like to be as transparent as possible. For this reason, we gladly welcome any comments and critiques you may have as a reader. Letters to the editor are also highly encouraged and will be considered for publication on our website or in print. I am elated to be furthering the mission of Xs10 and to hear your stories. Cheers, Michael Neely, Founder & Editor-in-Chief AMG Entertainment Network
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Luenell
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Page 20 // Cover Feature Table of Contents Page 4 Jennifer Nettles
Page 16 Michelle Lamb
Page 29 Rhonda Swan
Page 9 Monie Jonezy
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Page 33 Burning in The Skies
Page 11 Mr. Tyeskie Page 14 Connor Terrones
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Comedian Page 25 IRKO Page 27 Money Matt
Page 35 Lydia Collinge
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JENNIFER NETTLES Always Like New Jennifer Nettles: Illuminates Broadway With Her New Album “Always Like New” by Eileen Shapiro “Every night, half an hour before curtain up, the bells of St. Malachy’s, the Actors’ Chapel on New York’s 49th Street, peal the tune of ‘There’s No Business Like Show Business.’ If you walk the streets of the theater district before a show and see the vast, enthusiastic lines, it sounds like a calling: There is certainly no place like Broadway”–Dan Stevens Multi-Grammy Award winning global phenomena Jennifer Nettles illuminates Broadway with her album Always Like New set to release on June 25 via Concord Records. Jennifer has joined forces with Grammy and Tony winner Alex Lacamoire (recognized for his work on Broadway including Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen and In The Heights) to celebrate the re-envisioning of some of the best loved Broadway tunes, embracing modern day epics and familiar echoes of the past. Always Like New is brimming with heart, adorned with vibrant color and marinated with soulful texture. Nettles has welcomed Broadway back by taking songs from a variety of great musicals and elevating them to a dazzling climax that will delight musical theater aficionados and novices alike. Jennifer and Alex have crushed this record with their talent and dedication, breathing fresh life into standards in a way that makes you want the show to go on and on.
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The album will be unveiled at a most appropriate time. The world is opening up and people are no longer howling at the moon. The release will come in time for New York Gay Pride Week, in time to honor the 20th anniversary of 9/11, as well as the reopening of Broadway.
The word “superstar” only touches the surface when celebrating Jennifer Nettles. She has appeared on TBS’ hit competition series Go-Big Show as a judge, portrayed Aimee-Leigh Gemstone on HBO’s The Righteous Gemstones, and delivered a powerful performance in Focus Features’ Harriet Tubman biopic, Harriet. As a singer/songwriter, she has earned three Grammy Awards, two with Sugarland and one for her collaboration with Bon Jovi on “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.” She also has five ASCAP awards, three ACM Awards, a CMA Award, the Human Rights Campaign’s Ally for Equality Award and the Artist Impact Award from Lincoln Center. Jennifer is a strong advocate for the LGBTQ community, racial equality, and women’s rights, as well as a philanthropist. She has also appeared on Broadway–in Chicago in 2015. Mostly, Jennifer is true to herself, inspirational, and honest.
Jennifer congratulations on the release of your new album.....
Like “The Night of the Living Dead” resurrected...In any case I love all the songs that you’ve chosen however while I love the theater, I am not a huge Broadway Musical fan. I love punk rock... However, I have to say the way you orchestrated these songs was so over the top. You did songs that I never thought I would like in my wildest dreams, but I really, really liked them. I love hearing you say this, Eileen, and let me tell you why. Because my collaborating partner for arranging and producing, Alex, and I and Adam Zotovich, the executive producer, we put so much stock into the selection of the songs. The criteria we ended up using in choosing the songs had to be in two parts. It had to be respectful homage to the original composition, but number two, it had to expand that original composition in such a way that it made it reimagined, re-envisioned, and able to be discovered anew. That’s where the title came from, Always Like New, because for me as an artist, not only am I constantly reinventing and evolving myself, but also, the songs symbolize that in the ways that…some of them are modern contemporary theater, some of them are classic, but all of them take the original compositions and hopefully reimagine them in a way that allow for their discovery.
Thank you. I am very, very excited about it. Let me tell you a sort of kismet moment. We recorded the last note of “Tomorrow”, the last song on the record, on March 12, 2020. It was the day that Broadway closed. So we literally finished recording and everybody’s phone started blowing up with the news that Broadway was closing down. It has only closed one day during 9/11 and it has never closed during any of the world wars. It is such a significant moment in history for this iconic American institution, world known. How many songs have been written for Broadway or about Broadway? The fact that it shut down the last day of recording this album felt so cosmic, so meant to be, so now, thankfully, the world continues to open up and Broadway is about to do so. I just feel like this record is such a celebratory flag to say “Yay!!! Here we come back to celebrate all the beauty that we’re going to be able to see on the stages once again.” Growing up in New York it was always kind of exciting to see a Broadway play. It’s a big deal because it is a high level of excellence. Anytime we get to experience as human beings such an exquisite level of excellence where everyone is contributing at the top of their game, there is a sacredness to that. So of course it would’ve been a big deal even as a New Yorker. As a matter of fact even more so as a New Yorker. It was so almost haunting when Broadway closed down. It’s a big deal because it is a high level of excellence. Any time we get to experience as human beings
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the Broadway community, the gay community is such an intricate part. For those two communities to hold hands physically in the form of this album is a beautiful part of its release for sure. I think that from this interview and the last interview we had that you are so genuine and I know you will answer this honestly.....So, my question is who selected the songs, in other words were they favorites of yours or did someone choose them for you? The way that Alex and I collaborated on this project was really serving the song and serving the music. That for us was the highest goal. Some of them, for example “Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin’ ” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat”, “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?”, even “Tomorrow”, but especially those first three… They were always for me in my own head as a writer, singer and composer, that I heard those vocal melodies anyway. So, for years I have been singing them with a back beat, which made them feel for me as a vocalist that they were super accessible, different and celebratory. Starting with those three really as a foundation as we started to expand into those arrangements, we realized what was making those arrangements work. It’s what I mentioned to you earlier, which was that dual inspiration of serving the original, but in a way that made it completely re-envisioned, with respect. If you were ever to tell me that I would thoroughly enjoy a song like, “Oh What A Beautiful Morning” I would have said that you’re crazy. But the way you elevated that song to some kind of imaginary realm. I love hearing that, and also, here’s the thing: People are very specific about their musical taste. Just like you were saying you would’ve never thought that you would like that, people say that about musical theater, country music, just fill in the blanks, according to what their taste might be. But to hear you say that, it has so much significance for me because again, that feels like we’ve achieved what we set out to do, which was take the songs and respectfully reimagine them. The good thing is I’ve been hearing on both sides of the coin, because I have people who are super precious about musical theater. I mean they are protective, but they are like, “Oh, my God, we love this record.“ To hear them say that, those that are so super protective of the form and genre, and to hear you say that, who really comes from another background and taste, that to me is super rewarding. So, thank you. Truth....very refreshing and I almost want to say inspiring. Yeah, let it be inspiring because that’s what music is supposed to be. I feel like I’m winning today Eileen...
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You’ve definitely won with this one. The fact that you’re releasing the record at such a monumental time, during Pride week.....If just fits.
There is not a bad one in the bunch. There are a lot of classics and then there’s a handful of contemporary ones as well, like “Wait For It” from Hamilton and “You Will Be Found” from Dear Evan Hansen. We wanted to make sure we represented some of the current ones as well. Your world expands way beyond the average mortal. You do everything. Do you ever stop counting your Grammys? Well, it’s easy to stop. I just get to three. I would love more. Let’s be honest. And beyond that, I enjoy storytelling across the board and I love the performing arts. If I’m doing it as a songwriter, if I’m doing it as a vocalist, if I’m doing it in TV and film or on the theater stage or on the concert stage, whatever it is, I love storytelling and I love music most specifically as my first love. Where do you find the time for everything, I mean you’re a singer, songwriter, actress, activist, a mother.... Even I don’t know. I think something that I’ve definitely seen over this pandemic is, good God, how we all learned about ourselves. We have learned shit about ourselves that we wish we didn’t know. We’ve all had way too much time on our hands. But also, the downward pressure that we’ve all experienced this year. The ambiguous loss, the tangible loss, the fear, the anxiety–for me, I have learned that I’m quite accustomed to being much healthier when I
have a certain amount of output and a certain amount of input. Creatively, from a performance perspective, from a chemical perspective, I am just used to running at a certain gear, and to have stopped that…Just to put it bluntly, it fucked me up. So, where do I find time for it? I just look at it as a big dance and I just try to step in at the right cue. I say “Yes” to only the things that fill my heart in the right way. I keep reinforcing to the universe, “This is the kind of stuff I want to come my way.” Kind of like “The Secret.” Very much...let’s manifest it. So, the album came out on June 25 and it will be sold as vinyl, CD and online? I don’t think they did cassette, but I heard among the young kids that that’s becoming a new thing again. Where they are going to play I don’t know? We didn’t do cassettes, but we did vinyl and CD and of course the digital source of your desires. time. Since everything is finally opening up, will you be touring in support of the album? That is what I am hoping. It is a very specific album in terms of the orchestration. So, being able to support that with instrumentalists, I’m looking at now trying to decide whether this is a symphony tour kind of thing or sourcing musicians from local orchestras depending on where I go? I have never had an album this richly orchestrated. All that is to say is yes and I’m looking into the best ways to do. So, is there anything you’d like to talk about that I haven’t covered? Yes. As of note, I would like to point out that the only duet on the album–which is “It All Fades Away” from Bridges of Madison County–is a duet that I do with Brandi Carlile, who is loved and is one of your own in the LGBTQ community. It is such a standout to me on the album, for a number of reasons. Number one is vocally, Brandi is unsurpassed, and number two, the song itself is a love song, so for two women singing this song, a lot of times we definitely don’t see (at least I haven’t) two women doing a love duet in popular music, much less in theater music. So I think that song in particular is a standout, and I would just love for people to be able to note that and celebrate it.
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Bailey Elora
Facebook: @baileyeloramusic Instagram: @baileyelora YouTube: Bailey Elora SoundCloud: Bailey-Elora Photo: @joshpshanks
MONIE JONEZY Driven for Success When did you first get into comedy? I definitely feel like I’m a natural performer. Since the 1st grade when I played Captain Hook. Although, I was definitely the lead Peter Pan, I messed around and maced myself and had to wear a patch over my eye. My teacher was a good sport. She knew I was crushed, but I ended up killing the Hook part and come to think about it, Captain Hook was a funny guy, he had all the clever one-liners.
A common phrase in the industry is “you must suffer for your art.” Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art? I definitely agree with that! It’s a sacrifice, too. Being on the road is great and part of the career I love but yes, it can be a strain on family relationships that may take the backseat for a time. It’s hard to manage but it’s a part of the process.
Who or what inspired you to pursue such a competitive career? I have a memory of sitting with my Uncle and he would make these great ghetto milkshakes and we would watch the old reruns of Def Jam and Comic View with Michael CollierJr. and the greats and I just knew I wanted to entertain and seeing Eddie Murphy’s Raw even as a kid convinced me I was going to do comedy. Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas? I am focused, I’m smart and I can adapt to different perspectives. I’m more than just a Comedian. What has been your biggest challenge? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how? My biggest challenge has been procrastinating. How I’ve overcome this challenge is getting into a routine and putting time aside to knock out my goals.
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I’m sure you have shared the stage with many talented entertainers/celebrities. Please share 1 of your favorite stories with us. I was on the road and I got a chance to do a monolog on the Michael Colyar Morning Show and I was super hyped about it and I killed it! The next thing I know, I have a message from the director at Little Book Little Films, who saw the show. He loved my monolog! Next thing I know, I was headed to Phoenix to film. It felt unreal. If you could change anything about the entertainment industry, what would it be? Well I would want to change the focus on the actual talent of the artist instead of the “who you know” mentality. What’s the best advice you’ve received? There’s a lesson in each failure. What projects are you currently working on... that you can talk about? Busy killing the Comedy Grind Tour with my partner Comedian Boomarang, Going City to city. Also working on a project called “welcome to Atlanta” and the movie, “The Mall” is set for release soon. How can your fans-to-be follow your career? Facebook: Monie Jonezy Instagram: @moniejonezy SnapChat: MonieJonezy Twitter: @moniejonezy
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MR. TYESKIE Top of the World We caught up with a indie artist by the name of Mr. Tyeskie... How long have you been doing music? I started doing music professionally at the age of fifteen, with Stanley Watkins of MID Productions. What got you into music and why? I think what first got me into music, was when I performed “Jealous Girl” by Another Bad Creation at my sixth grade talent show. I did not even know I could sing, but the way the crowd reacted was Amazing and I felt their energy. Are you a multi-genre artist? Explain. No, I consider myself as an R&B Soul Artist. I sing from my Soul, and I try to make Music everyone can relate to. Do you feel it’s a competitive market for Indie artist right now and if so why? Yes, I feel the market is competitive for the indie artist
because we don’t have the same resources as most mainstream artists. Meaning, we don’t have the label backing us, but I do believe as an Independent Artist with hard work and dedication anything is possible. Who are some of your mentor when it comes to music and why them you choose? Some of the artists that inspired me are Brian McKnight, Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, Freddie Jackson, and Johnny Gill. What was the name of your first single and how did you come up with that name? My first single was Marry Me, and I came up with the name because I believe in Marriage. I wanted to create a song that speaks Love and Commitment and will be played amongst generations to come. So if you can do a collaboration with any artist who would it be and why? If I was to collaborate with an Artist, it would be Ne-Yo, Tyrese or Montell Jordan. I Love their style of music,
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the passion behind the lyrics and the way they deliver the message to their listeners. When is your next project coming out? I’m always working on new music, and I am currently in the process of working with a Legend. I can’t really speak to much on it right now, but just be in the lookout. Do you write your own music? Yes, I write my own music, but I’m always to working with other writers, as well as Artists. Do you produce your own beats? No I have never produced my own beats, but it may be something to look into in the near future. How did COVID-19 effect you and you music career? Explain. Covid actually helped me, because I was able to push my digital Streams and Sales. It helped me to create a better marketing plan and reach a broader Audience. Where can our readers find your music? My Music is Available on all digital platforms under Mr. Tyeskie. What advice can you give other artist starting out? Make sure you learn the business side as well as the music. It’s more to the music industry than just singing. Never let anyone tell you that it can’t be done. I just reached over 1,000,000 Streams as and Independent Artist. Hard work and Dedication is the key to Success. Never give up on your dreams.
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CONNOR TERRONES Multi-Genre Musician We caught up with the talented Multi-Genre Musician out of Denver, Connor Terrones. When did you first get into music? Please explain. I’ve ALWAYS loved listening to music, but I first started playing music when I was about ten. My first instrument was trombone. I needed to pick an instrument to play in school band and I picked trombone because I saw it in a video game once. I believe the video game was Donkey Kong 64. Who or What inspired you to pursue a career in music? By the time I was around 13 or 14, I definitely knew I wanted to pursue a career in music. I fell deeply in love with guitar (I still am) and just wanted to play it all the time. My favorite bands at the time were Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and Black Sabbath, so I learned a lot of songs from those bands at the time.
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How has your music evolved since you first started in the music industry? Throughout my entire career, I’ve been searching for what style of music is right for me. There’s times that I’ve focused on rock music exclusively, but there’s also times where I’ve focused on jazz music exclusively. In
the past couple years, I started realizing that there isn’t just one style of music that’s right for me. I love pop, rock, jazz, r&b, funk, soul, hip-hop and blue so much that I started writing and recording music that consolidated all of those sounds together. I’m not really sure what to label the music I’m currently making. If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other, drives you to stay in this tough industry? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why? I guess it’s not an emotion, but purpose is what keeps me going. I truly believe that the reason I was put on this planet was to create music. There’s nothing else in my life that has made as much sense to me as music. There’s nothing else that has made me feel so alive. I’ve dedicated my life to creating music. Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas? My versatile taste in music certainly makes me unique as a musician. You can very clearly hear in
my music that it is not influenced by just one style of music. Lately I’ve been describing my sound to people as: hip-hop beats with jazz/neo-soul chords with pop song structures and random moments of 70’s influenced rock guitar. What has been your biggest challenge as a performing artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how? I think the biggest challenge for me is to keep going even when you feel completely defeated. Like, picking yourself back up after you’ve had a bad gig or a bad recording session or a bad rehearsal can be so so difficult. But I keep pushing through those experiences because I love music so much. A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art.” Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art? I think it just depends on the type of person you are. I definitely know people who don’t suffer for their art but make great art. I, however, have absolutely suffered for my art. I’m very meticulous about the writing and recording process of my songs. I get painfully picky about getting the song just right. Also, I tend to write songs that are rooted in painful experiences in my life. I rarely write happy songs. How do you feel the internet has impacted the music business? Social media and streaming services have changed the music business forever. Social media has completely transformed how to promote for shows and new releases. Streaming services have changed the way people release and even create music. A lot of people are shifting their focus on making singles instead of full albums these days because singles are so much easier to digest in the world of streaming. It’s easier to boost your stream count with singles than with an album.
What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today? Oof. This is a really tough question, but off the top of my head: -Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles -Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys -Channel Orange by Frank Ocean -Speak No Evil by Wayne Shorter -Houses of the Holy by Led Zeppelin What is the best advice you have received? “Don’t settle with letting your dreams just be dreams. Go make your dreams a reality!” How did COVID-19 affect you and your music career? The producer for my upcoming album lives in Nashville. So, when COVID-19 hit, I was unable to travel to Nashville to finish it. However, since I’ve been fully vaccinated, I went to Nashville a month ago to finish the album. It is being mixed right now. What’s next for you? Please explain. I’m currently planning out the rollout for my first full length album! I’m so excited for it to be out in the world! How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? When my album is out, they can find it on popular streaming services: Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, etc.
If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be? It’s not possible, but I wish that the people who are in the music industry who aren’t REALLY in it for the music would just go away. I definitely see people who get into music just to try to gain clout and those people don’t actually love music. I’m sure you have shared the stage with many talented artists. Please share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us. I was playing with The Other Black in 2017 and we opened for Thundercat at The Mishawaka Ampitheatre (near Fort Collins, CO), which was an amazing experience. I also had the chance to open for Knower at The Gothic Theatre (in Denver) when I was playing with Wes Watkins in 2018 and that was also a really amazing experience.
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MICHELLE LAMB Keep’n it Real When did you first get involved in acting? I started acting on a consistent serious level approximately 5 years ago. Prior to that I was doing background work. My 1st background opportunity was in Waiting To Exhale and Thin Line Between Love and Hate. What or Who inspired you to pursue a career as an actress? My cousin John Wayne S III inspired me to get into acting. I saw him writing and directing movies, videos and producing various other projects and I wanted to be a part of it. But if you know my cousin, he isn’t going to just give me anything. I had to earn it. He gave me busy work to get me started.
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What have been your biggest achievements? My biggest achievement was taking a leap of faith at my age and starting a second career and excelling in my craft. I feel like acting is like a second chance at life. I feel reborn and happiest on set. I recently bumped from a featured background police officer to a principal role on Tyler Perry’s Sista’s. I signed contracts as Officer Pearl Scriggs. The screams and tears I shed after this blessing of achievement can’t be described in words.
I’m sure you have met a lot of celebrities along the way. Would you share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us? One of my favorite celebrities and friend is Palmer Williams Jr. I met him while working as a flight attendant. He was funny in person as his character Floyd was on television. He was different from any celebrity I ever met. He was approachable and encouraging and very transparent about the industry. I thought it was just how he was with me but as the time went by I noticed he was that way with others as well. We finally ended up working together during the pandemic in a Stage play of his For The Love Of where I played Pumpkin. What has been your ideal character, so far? And why? My ideal character was playing the lead in Ebony Hustle. My character Ebony is strong, fearless retired exotic dancer that became an insurance fraud investigator. Because of her no nonsense badass persona and an incident 20 years ago as a stripper. She ends up being a protector and defender of women against men. As one character tells her “ We come to you because you take care of hood sh#t”.
How has your acting evolved since you first became involved in the film industry? My acting has evolved ma jorly. With every project I learn something new. I am a military veteran and with that brings a certain type of toughness. It was difficult for me to show emotion. I knew I needed that to make me a more refined actor I was trained to never show weakness. I attended acting class at the Actor’s Gym with Thom Scott where I learned emotional preparation. If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other, drives you to stay in this tough business? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why? The one emotion I would choose if forced to stay in this business would be Passion. Because if I was paid for acting or not I would still do it. I am happiest when I am on set creating and perfecting my craft. Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas? Please explain? The ingredient that makes me different in the industry of new faces is my point of view, my outlook of the industry itself. Although I am an extremely competitive person; I inform others of auditions, I push others to be better. I never feel threaten because I genuinely believe that what’s for me will be for me regardless if I share auditions. If I don’t get role that I told someone about, It was because it wasn’t for me it was for them. My job was to tell them about the role. What has been your biggest challenge as an actress? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how? My biggest challenge to overcome was the naysayers. I am mother, veteran with two failed marriages and have know there are people who don’t believe in me. People telling me that I have waited too long to begin a new career. sometimes those voices sound really loud and convincing when you don’t get several roles in a row. It is challenging and standing up to those voices are tough somedays. A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art”. Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art? I agree with this statement and I have suffered for my art because I have missed out on a lot family functions trying to be the character i need to be on set. I channel the pain, loneliness and disappointment in my art. If you could change anything about the film industry, what would it be? If I could change anything about the industry it would be to be opened minded, look outside the
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box. We are making strides but it could be more. Women directors, African American people playing the hero, doctor, lawyers etc. and not always the bad guys. If you could give 3 tips of advice to an up-and-coming actor, what would they be? Three tips of advice to new actors if you want to be taken serious you take classes, research and stay focus. My acting coach says “ Everybody wants to be famous but nobody wants to do the work” Don’t be that person. What projects are you currently working on... that you can talk about? I am currently working on Thea Casey’s The Christians where I play one of the Leading roles as First lady Vision she’s very protective of her family but becomes the victim of a very powerful person. I am also working on John Wayne S. III False Profits where my character Brenda is also one of the leads as a reporter reporting the scandal of a church family. I am playing a mother of a troubled young man in Keisha Needa”s ATLiens. What’s next for you? I have several things brewing hosting a talk show, producing projects and other acting projects but no signed contracts. However, I am honored and grateful that my name is being considered. How can fans-to-be follow your career? Fans can follow my career on Ig and Facebook I know there are other ways I am just not there yet. Lol @michelle.lamb
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We caught up with...
Luenell The Original Bad Girl of Comedy 20
HEY LUENELL! Up Close and Personal With the Original Bad Girl of Comedy Submitted by Wyllisa R. Bennett Comedienne and actress Luenell is having a moment! The self-proclaimed “Original Bad Girl of Comedy,” is a comedic force of nature. The stand-up comic is best known for her breakthrough role as the “hooker with the heart of gold” in the 2006 Oscar-nominated, blockbuster comedy “Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan.” She also appears in the Oscar-buzzy film “A Star Is Born” with Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, plus, she’s in the new Eddie Murphy film, “Dolemite Is My Name, “ on Netflix. She’s also pat of the ensemble cast of “Coming to America 2,” due out later this year. In addition to her film roles, she’s also making a splash in Las Vegas with an extended run at Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club at The LINQ Promenade in Vegas. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, she was touring the country as a stand-up comic, and tickling the funny bones of many from one comedy club to another. We had a chance to catch up with Luenell, and chat with her about comedy, her work and upcoming projects.
XS10 Magazine: Who inspires you and your work? Luenell: Well, many women inspire me like May West, Glodean White (wife of the late Grammy Award-winning crooner Barry White), Joan Rivers, Roseanne Barr (before her many insensitive rants and outbursts), Lucille ball, JaNet Dubois as well as Pearl Bailey. The comedians that inspire me are the legends like Joan Rivers, Redd Foxx, George Carlin, Lenny Bruce, Richard Pryor, Wanda Sykes, etc. I draw a lot of inspiration from these comics because they are iconic in their style, delivery and material as they addressed the social ills of their day in a funny, unapologetic way. XS10 Magazine: I hear you are in “Coming to America 2” can you tell us more about the movie? Luenell: I’m excited to be a part of the ensemble cast of “Coming to America 2,” directed by Craig Brewer (“Dolemite Is My Name,” “Hustle & Flow”), which wrapped at the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, and due in theatres December 2020. Along with legendary comedian Eddie Murphy and talk show host Arsenio Hall, the cast, includes Vanessa Bell Calloway, Shari Headley,
XS10 Magazine: Luenell, how did you get your start in comedy? Luenell: Well, how I became a professional comedienne is a long and complicated story; but, I come from a very large family, and being the youngest of eight children and seeking attention definitely had something to do with it! Or maybe it was being bullied at home and school, which made me want to speak up. It’s probably a combination of both. Still, I landed on stage by accepting a dare. Never in my wildest dreams did I foresee a “career” in comedy or making a living at it. When I began my career in comedy, there was no ComicView or Def Comedy Jam. And the only African Americans I knew really making a living at it were Richard Pryor, Red Foxx, LaWanda Page, Flip Wilson, and Bill Cosby. Plus, there weren’t a lot of women in the game. But tv exposure with the various comedy shows changed that. I decided that instead of comedy being a hobby, and “something to do” to vent my frustrations, I felt I could make a decent living doing this. Basically, I made a commitment to make people happy because I didn’t ever want anyone to feel how I use to feel growing up. To this day, that is still my driving force to get on a stage every night and tell a joke. It’s not for the money. It’s a passion. If you do what you love and are passionate about, the money will come.
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Rivers, Robin Harris, and George Carlin. But don’t hold me to it because those names can change from time to time, depending on my mood. XS10 Magazine: So far, 2020 has been good to you. Can you talk about some of the accomplishments that you’re particularly proud of as a female comedian? Luenell: One of my greatest accomplishments as a female comedian is being able to make a living doing what I love. When I first started in the comedy game, it was just a way for me to express myself and get some attention. Through comedy, I’ve been able to provide for my family, send my daughter to college and be an independent businesswoman for many years. I’m proud to be a part of a small girls’ club with an engagement in Las Vegas. In February 2019, I did a three-month gig at the SLS hotel in Viva Las Vegas, along with Mo’Nique and Eddie Griffin. In August 2019, I returned to Sin City with an extended run at Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club at The LINQ Promenade. I look forward to resuming my residency in Las Vegas, once things get back to normal in response to the pandemic in America.
John Amos, Tracy Morgan, Leslie Jones, Wesley Snipes and James Earl Jones – just to name a few! For me, that’s two Eddie Murphy movies in one year because I also appear in in the Netflix movie, “Dolemite Is My Name.” The sequel, called “Coming To America -- The Quest” is one of the best scripts I’ve ever read. It will easily be one of the most talked about films of 2020. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that “Coming to America – The Quest” is gonna take over the WORLD! The original is such a beloved movie, and thankfully with the 30-year difference for the sequel, most of the original actors are still alive and well and have returned for the sequel. It’s magic! Sheer magic, and I am blessed to be a part of it after all these many years later. XS10 Magazine: What process do you use to develop your stand-up comedy material? Luenell: I really don’t have a process to develop my stand-up material. I just observe life through a comedic lens. As comedians, I believe we are wired differently because we can see “the funny” in daily life. I don’t write much. I usually just make mental bullet points of what I want to discuss, and develop the material in real time on stage. It’s sort of like magic – that is, a gift if you will. XS10 Magazine: Who are your top 5 favorite comedians? Luenell: That’s always a hard question, but my top five comedians are: Richard Pryor, Paul Mooney, Joan
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I’ve also been inducted into the Little Rock Black Hall of Fame in Arkansas -- the state where I was born. My picture and information are part of an exhibit in a museum, located in Little Rock. Plus, if you Google me, I’m the most famous person from my small town, which is not hard to do if you knew where I was from. lol Also, I was honored at Los Angeles City Hall in February 2020 as a part of Black History Month by the office of LA City Councilman President Emeritus Herb Wesson. It was particularly special to receive the award from his office because he is the first an only African American to be selected the president of the Los Angeles City Council. The City of Los Angeles honored me and iconic comic legends like Eddie Griffin; Marsha Warfield; Miss Laura Hayes – the Original Queen of Comedy; and Emmy-winning comedienne and actress Tiffany Haddish as part of its Stand UP: The Art and Politics of Comedy for Black History Month. It was truly a great day! XS10 Magazine: What is one of the challenges you have had in your career? Luenell: One of the biggest challenges I’ve had in my career is trying to balance motherhood and a marriage with my career. As an entertainer, it has been very difficult and remains so. XS10 Magazine: What advice can you give others that want to be a comedian? Luenell: I really don’t give advice to others who want to pursue comedy; BUT, I would say this: If you like to sleep a lot; if you’re very close and connected to your
family; if you have problems leaving your children or your significant other during very important holidays, such as birthdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas , then this business is not for you! XS10 Magazine: What advice would you give your younger self? Luenell: I would tell my younger self that when they say: “It’s not personal,” sometimes, it’s really not! There will be people you meet and bond with on various projects; however, don’t expect to speak with them everyday after the project wraps. People go on about their business. Life gets busy. It’s rare that you will stay in touch with someone unless you developed a true friendship with the person. Don’t trip!
And if you want more of me, you can always purchase my comedy CD, “Luenell Live: I Only Drink at Work,” available on digital platforms everywhere. PLUS, there’s my new YouTube channel – that is, HeyLuenell. Check it out and subscribe. For more about Luenell and her touring schedule, visit www.HeyLuenell.com Visit her on YouTube at Hey Luenell. ON A SOCIAL NOTE: Find me: Visit www.HeyLuenell.com Follow me: @Luenell on Instagram Friend me: https://www.facebook.com/luenell
XS10 Magazine: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Luenell: Oh, the possibilities are endless. I have a couple of things on my bucket list. I would love to have my own talk show or a regular role on a popular television show – either broadcast or cable television -- so I don’t have to travel so much, and I can actually come home after work. XS10 Magazine: Luenell, you’re a comedienne and actress. Do you have a preference – that is, standup comedy or acting – in your entertaining fans? Luenell: In the entertainment industry, my preference of mediums and/or disciplines is television, stand up, films and finally, theatre. XS10 Magazine: Who is someone you would love to work with? Luenell: On my bucket list of people I would like to work with include Wanda Sykes, Robert De Niro, Octavia Spencer and Jane Fonda; maybe Cardi B.; plus, Megan Thee Stallion and of course, Bruno Mars! XS10 Magazine: What projects are you working on and where can everyone follow you? Luenell: Well, I’ll be back in Vegas. So, once the Strip opens, folks can come see me in Viva Las Vegas! While you all were at home, bingewatching TV, I hope you checked me out in the Netflix movie, “Dolemite Is My Name,” starring Eddie Murphy. I also appear in the sequel, “I’ve Got the Hookup-2,” the urban cult classic, starring music mogul/businessman Master P and his son, Romeo Miller. I’m in the episode, “Family Feud,” (Season 3, Episode 5) of Tracy Morgan’s show, “The Last OG,” which just aired on TBS. Check it out. I have a couple of things in the can. Along with “Coming to America 2,” I’m in a movie with Jerry O’Connell, called “Ballbusters,” as well as “Family Reunion” on Netflix. I’m also really excited about a VERY secret project that I just filmed with my daughter. So, stay tuned. Fans will be able to see me on the road, as well as appearances on their favorite tv shows and movies.
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IRKO Up for the Challenge Tell us a little bit about yourself? Hey Michael! Thanks for having me! My name is IRKO, I’m the music industry’s most beloved bow-tie-wearing mixing engineer. I grew up near Venice, Italy but I have been in the United States for 15 years. Music took me around the World and I have been very fortunate to have worked with artists like Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Sia, Pitbull, Jay-Z and many many more. How long have you been in the music industry? I opened my first studio in 98 but my very first days in Music were way before, the exact timing has been lost to time itself but I think it’s safe to say it was the mid nineties. Where did you learn your craft and how long did it take you? I went to audio engineering school in Italy. During that time I was able to learn all the basics of sound and the experience put me in the right direction to grow my career. My formation years were far from complete after graduating as my huge passion and interest for Hip Hop music made it very necessary to learn tools and techniques conclusive to achieving the results I was after, some of them were not taught in a classroom. So it took a while but I got it eventually!
What was your first project? My first projects were probably a bunch of beats that I would make using samples, these tracks were eventually used by local artists for their projects. They probably sound very silly if we heard them today Who were some of your mentors when coming into the industry? In the beginning days I had one OG engineer in Italy who I followed briefly, he helped me with gear and studio stuff. Then I partnered up with another teacher from school, he helped me with running the business and most things Pro Tools. Then, in the US, I learned many things from different people but if I was to point one out I’d say that Tony Maserati taught me how to communicate with clients. What genre of music do you listen to during your down time and why? Now I listen to a lot of instrumental music, it’s perfect for reading and cooking and such. But when I’m on my cleaning mode you better believe I’ll blast some boom bap! Who was your first well known client? Jay-Z for sure. I was involved in the engineering of ‘Kingdom Come’. What a time!
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Describe a time when you were required to think on your feet. How did this go? During studio time, even more so recording sessions, the talent might be ready to rock and time is of the essence. I found myself countless of times trying to figure out a buzz or a noise while having tens of channels open. That’s when you have to think QUICK on your feet. A good, trained and effective crew helps a lot to solve these kinds of problems. Can you name a list of artists you have worked with? Sure! Besides the previously named artists, I have mixed for Mac Miller, Swizz Beatz, Jennifer Lopez, Black Thought, Portugal The Man, Joey Badass, ScHoolboy Q, Rick Ross, Killer Mike, Kevin Gates, Pusha T, Tory Lanez, Juicy J, 21 Savage, Eric Bellinger, Dave East, Kid Cudi, Big K.R.I.T., Ty Dolla Sign, Kash Doll, Fabolous, Common, Redman, Talib Kweli and a lot more Describe in detail to our reader what you do when it comes to the music scene. To simplify things, the producer makes the beat, the artist writes a song to it, they record everything, now the song exists and it gets passed to me. At this point the song is brilliant but the sound is that of a Honda civic, after I spend a day on it it’ll sound like a v12 Lamborghini! Now the song not only is catchy but it’s also sonically competitive with everything else that’s on the charts. So my clients now have that extra juice to get a plaque! Describe a time when you had to work with a difficult client. What did you learn? Studio situations can be difficult some times but I have noticed that it usually boils down to communication. I do my best to set expectations clearly and deliver more than anticipated Describe a time you made a mistake. What happened? Mistakes (or as I call them chances to learn more) happen all the time, even more so at the beginning of careers. In my line of work a typical situation is to over do things, use too much level on this or that element of the song. Or not running mixes through strenuous tests, or not setting up the business side of things very well. But you learn from those situation and make sure they never happen again! What would you regard as the most challenging part of Sound Engineering? The most challenging part of sound engineering is that we all hear differently and we all have different speaker and different settings in which the speakers are, this all makes sound very unique, it’s a moving target. But you know what? I would not have it any other way!
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MONEY MATT Rapper Making Waves We caught up with a indie artist by the name of Money Matt®... How long have you been doing music? I have been doing music since I was 15 years old, I spent ma jority of my time early on perfecting my sound, rhythm, flow, and delivery, as well as spent time learning the business behind the music. For example what it takes to make a successful release, proper ways to form business proposals/emails to radio stations and sponsors. What got you into music industry? As far back as I can remember I had a passion for music, I played football and music has always been therapeutic for me. From listening to songs to get me hyped up before every football game, to creating and writing my own music. Are you a multi genre artist? Explain Yes, I am a multi-genre artist. I do many aspects in music, the main music I create is Motivational Hip-Hop; but I do many forms of music from country to trap music, R&B, etc. I create what I feel or what I am going through to put out there to the world. I am not a rapper, I’m a artist. I pioneered the Motivational Hip-Hop sound but I create many forms of music.
Do you feel it’s a competitive market for Indie artist right now and if so why? No, not for me I do not because I am the only artist that does Motivational Hip-Hop as I have created that genre of music, by merging the beats from trap and spoken word of god and life from gospel music. Who are some of your mentor when it comes to music and why them you choose? I never had a mentor, but I had a lot of people from sound engineers to management teams help provide alot of information early on, that I researched to learn further and understand the business behind music. Some of my inspirations are DMX, Big Pun, Biggie, Tupac, Nipsey Hussle, Styles P, Jadakiss, and LOX. What was the name of your first single and how did you come up with that name? No Beat Just Bars. I came up with the name from it being a acapella track, but I wanted to diversify myself by being a unique artist, not being afraid to step out of the box to do something different. So, if you can do a collab with any artist who would it be and why? Moneybagg Yo, because I feel that yes he speaks from the streets perspective but I also feel like as a artist he
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can step out of the box and give some real life motivation behind his music. When is your next project coming out? 6-21-21 The name of the single is called Year IV. Do you write your own music? Yes, I write my own music, record myself, and arrange my formats for all my music. Do you produce your own beats? No I don’t, I use alot of producers but the main producers I use are: Let That Boy Cook, Strozart, GT Pro Squad. I also have a single produced by Nard & B, Nico on the beat, and another EP called Life of A “_____” that just won Artist Mixtape of the Year at the SEA Awards Ceremony also that was produced by Aaron Made A Beat. How did COVID-19 effect you and you music career? Explain. It effected me but not a whole lot because before covid we were exploring creating other forms of income for the music, live stream shows, merchandise auctions, amongst many other things. Where can our readers find your music? www.moneymatt513.com/linktree my full bio and EPK are on my website but the linktree to all our streaming platforms is at the link provided. What advice can you give other artist starting out? If I had to give any advice to any upcoming artists I would say spend time learning this music business and the behind the scenes, there’s more to creating music than stepping into a studio. There are alot of moving parts to a single release, learn as much as you can, remain a student to your craft and most importantly; when others give up on you never give up on yourself. You control your destiny and where your headed, stay positive and trust your process. Everyone’s journey is going to be different don’t let what other artists do reflect your movement. Compete with yourself at every step of the way not with your peers. www.moneymatt513.com - All my social media handles are connected on our website feel free to connect with me, lets network.
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RHONDA SWAN An Unstoppable Global Phenomena “We need women who are so strong they can be gentle, so educated they can be humble, so fierce they can be compassionate, so passionate they can be rational, and so disciplined they can be free“.... Kavita Ramdas Rhonda Swan doesn’t allow her dreams to get in the way of her actions. Clothed in strength, power and dignity she is able to laugh without fear of the future. An architect of humanity, Rhonda Swan is the charming CEO and mastermind of the “Unstoppable Branding Agency”, a seven figure dynasty. She is also a best-selling author, an international motivational speaker, a business strategist and a dazzling podcast host. Rhonda is a devoted mom and wife who celebrates family values while giving back to society and allowing women of all cultures and backgrounds to rise above the noise. Although courage doesn’t always move mountains, Rhonda teaches her clients how to climb them. Like a salacious alchemist she transforms private anguish into narratives of truth. She has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Home Business, Huffington Post and an endless amount of other prestigious publications. Her stamina and
effervescence challenges men, angels and beasts, yet she has room in her life for everything that matters. Without risk there are no possibilities. You took a lot of risks during your career...please tell us your story? My name is Rhonda Swan and I’m a mother and wife for 23 years. When I was in my 20s, I played for a woman’s softball team. I went to university and received a scholarship to play softball. I was a coach in the national and the international games. Then I had this dream to run a big corporation, so I went and I got my masters degree. I was eventually hired by Philip Morris and I ran Miller, Marlboro and Craft advertising department for 6 years. I then worked for GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals, the fortune 500 company and I ran the Western division. I ran multi-million dollar budgets and ad campaigns with them. Then at 30 years old I witnessed a woman putting her six-week old baby in childcare. I had just gotten married and hadn’t had a child yet. but my whole body shifted because this woman dropped her baby off and was 15 minutes late to work. This boss basically threw her on the cross and told her that if she was ever late again, she would lose her job. I sat there and thought “is this who I’m going to become?”
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I had a complete shift in my DNA and decided that I wasn’t going to do this, and this is not who I want to be. So, I went back to my husband who was a robotics engineer. FYI, we actually met surfing in the water 23 years ago in San Diego. I moved from Michigan, I’m a Detroit girl, he’s a Chicago boy. We both moved to San Diego for work and met three months after we both moved there. I explained to him that I did not want to put a child in daycare and that I was going to quit my job. He responded, “what! we just got married, we just bought a five bedroom house, we could have kids”..... I told him not to worry that I would figure it out, and that was in 2004. This was when the Internet really started to pick up and a lot more action started to happen with businesses moving online. I watched an interview with Steve Jobs and he said “if someone is running a company and you have not even considered capping into the Internet or working at how to bring your business online, you’re going to be lost in 10 years.” I know Steve Jobs knew what he was talking about, so I went really hard into it and started studying Google ad words. I started working with Perry Marshall who is the godfather of marketing. I started reading a lot of books. I started reading Robert Kiyosaki, and looking at 4 Quadrant and Being an Employee to Having Your Own Business. I thought what if I built a company online exclusively. I started googling “Work at Home Mom”, which was completely against who I was. I was such a big, corporate, powerful, business person, but that’s what I really wanted. My mom was with me growing up.
She was at work at home mom, but I didn’t want to be like her. I wanted to be completely different, but I still wanted those kind of family values. I then found a company who was selling personal development products for Robert Kiyosaki, Bob Proctor, all these big personal development people. They were selling all these products, so I invested in this company and bought my own franchise. I started marketing these events and products and from there, and I was the first woman to earn $1 million in the company. I did it exclusively online. So, I quit my job three months later and I then retired my husband a year later from robotics engineering, and I set out on this mission to build a family and a new life. For three years I built this company and we did really well, and I hit my first million after the third year. After that you kind of had a quarrel with fate? We then invested a ton of money in real estate and I was about to have a baby. Three years had passed and I thought we had made enough money to buy houses and invest so that I could actually raise my daughter and let the company run. Sadly, we invested in the largest fraud in 2007 and we gave all of our IRAs, drained everything, all of our green, we dumped it all. My husband‘s father died of aids, he was one of the first and had left him a hundred thousand dollars which is how we bought our first house. That money allowed us to buy other houses, but then we started making money so we drained all the rest of our IRAs to put into this invested property. It was a golf course development and we lost everything. My daughter was 33 days early because I was so stressed because I found out we were losing everything. We had a $1.7 million home In San Diego on the top of the hill, two Mercedes and I have been working thinking that all of the money that I had made was going to make me a better parent and in reality that whole vision, three years working and making all that money was gone. So, my daughter was born early, my husband and I lost over $26 million of cash and I literally sat there with the vision that I never wanted to put a baby in daycare. We decided in 2008 we would sell it all and we would travel the world to get our minds out of the garbage. All of our friends thought I was crazy because I left my massive six-figure job, so we battled all that negativity, the mental chaos that we were in. We fire sold everything, we filed bankruptcy but we were not liable for any of it because it was a fraud. We were lucky in that regard, but we didn’t lose all our cash and we owed the IRS $50,000 because we took all of the money out of our IRA. We still had to pay them. So, we left on November 28, 2008, about six months after we decided to leave with $12,872.62 and a vision that I never wanted to put my daughter in daycare. That was 13 years
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ago coming up this November. We have traveled all over the world. My daughter has lived in 57 different countries. We have set our mission out to help more families and women be with their children, and build businesses. That is what I have been focusing on. I’ve been helping them build their brand and monetize their products. Everything is virtual. We’re the only company totally virtual. We started using Skype when nobody was using it. I was running these meetings with clients in Fiji with my bikini on and my daughter running around. I had my computer on my shoulder because there were no phones. We built our company. It took about three months and our $12,872.62. The first month I made about five grand, the next month 10 grand.... consistently we stayed around 10, 15 K keeping things moving while we were traveling. We were living our life and keeping our mind clear. Since then we built our company into multiple 7 to 8 figure businesses. I have a sexy brand formula to help people build their brand. We have 52 employees, 80% of them being women. We hire internationals all over the world. We don’t require them to have high levels of education as long as they have a vision and a vow and they are willing to learn. So, we have given opportunities to Third World countries and people that have never had or had been able to make high-level salaries. Women are working at home. Dad’s working at home. They have their kids and everyone is mainly virtual.
the world. She focuses on sustainability and different products. Our family values are really tied together because of all of the stuff that we went through and the desire to know how we can make a bigger impact without gifts. My husband owns several beard products. He has a big beard, so he makes sustainable organic beard products. So, as a brand we are called Unstoppable Family. I am the Unstoppable Mama, my husband is the Unstoppable Surfer, my daughter is the Unstoppable Girl. Her company is named HS Styles... So we are kind of this big ball of unstoppability..... The official website for the Unstoppable Family may be found at https://UnstoppableFamily.com The official website for the Unstoppable Branding Agency may be found at https://www.UnstoppableBrandingAgency.com Follow Rhonda Swan on IG https://www.instagram. com/RhondaSwan Follow Brian Swan on IG https://www.instagram.com/ UnstoppableSurfer Follow Hanalei Swan on IG https://www.instagram. com/Hanaleiswan
For you home is not nearly a mark on a map but kind of the place at the center of a compass. So that is kind of how the pathway worked. We went through a lot of ups and downs, a lot of resilience. That’s why I’m writing the book “Women Gone Wild.” It’s about how women broke out of that norm, broke completely out of the constructs of the patriarchy. I was a complete fucking ballbuster and then I had this realization that well this doesn’t actually have to happen. I also want to be a strong representation to my daughter and other women. I really went deep into healing myself learning about past Karmas, all these things so I can be a strong representation to other women. So, that’s how we built our company with family values and a really strong foundation of giving back. We give back 10% of every single thing that we make, every single year. I support “ Operation Underground” which is for rescuing women and children from human trafficking. We have a foundation called “HeartStrings Projects” where we buy instruments for children and have professional musicians teaching them how to play music to give them joy in their lives and to give them purpose. My daughter, at 10 years old started her first fashion company and it’s sustainable fashion designs for women. She launched her first brand at 10 and is now an international speaker at 14, all over
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BURNING IN THE SKIES Caught in The Undertow Andrew King, the brainchild, heart and soul of Burning in The Skies, has just celebrated the release of his epic EP, “Caught In The Undertow.” With a Depeche Mode vibe, and a Linkin Park influence, the EP is already creating a global buzz. The eclectic music ranges from piano ballads too heavy guitar driven rock and synth propelled pop.
Burning In The Skies is all you? It’s just me. That’s why I don’t perform live or anything. I make the music on my laptop with my guitar and keyboard. It’s always been on my bucket list to record a song to see what it sounds like and I’ve never looked back.
By day Andy is a physician’s assistant, a dream that he followed after losing a close friend and by night he is an accomplished musician with an accidental intent to share his music with world. Well on his way to accomplishing that, the British born rising superstar first created music as a hobby until people began to notice his talent and become addicted to his song.... What inspires your music? I think anything from day to day life really. I think certainly when I feel emotion, I feel it quite deeply and I think sometimes I find it kind of hard to direct. I started writing songs even before I thought about the music. I just put it on paper so it all kind of started about four or five years ago and Burning In The Skies has only been around for about two years. It’s been a long time.
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Who are your favorite music influences....who did you grow up listening to on the radio? I didn’t really start listening to my own music until I was about 12 or 13 years old. I used to live with my mum and dad when they were together. My dad was kind of the head of the household and he would listen to his jazz music and his 70s and 80s kind of pop rock-ish music. I didn’t really enjoy the stuff, but I listened to it. When they got divorced and when me and my mum moved, the first thing I did was I got this little TV with my pocket money. It was only 10 pounds and gave me the music channels. It was the first time I got to listen to popular music and I’ll always remember one of the first songs I ever heard was Linkin Park’s song “Numb”. I just thought “WOW” I’ve never heard that music before. It sounded like it was from the soul. It sounded gritty and heavy. I decided to keep an eye on them. Then I heard “Breaking the Habit”, and I went to a popular music store over here and the first album I ever bought was Linkin Park’s “Meteora” album. Since then I have been a diehard Linkin Park fan. They are my biggest influence. Where do you hope to be musically in five years? In a dream world, I’d love to have a band together and I’d love to be successfully touring and maybe be able to live off that money. It’s such a hard industry to break into because there’s so much competition. Then on social media everyone offers to promote your music and you have to pay for it and when you’re naïve you jump at it. It’s very hard to even get yourself heard. I never actually was going to show people my music. I went to my friend and asked him to help me record the song and he had played it for his girlfriend who loved it. He told me to put it up somewhere but I didn’t know how and then he told me about DistroKid and how it went onto Spotify and iTunes and that kind of thing. So, I did that and
put it on social media and then I kind of got a following. That gave me a little confidence to go back into the studio and record a couple of others. It just kind of snowballed from there really. So, you kind of started by accident? Precisely. I didn’t have any expectations and I thought I’m just gonna put my music out and now I’m probably my number one fan. I listen to my own music all of the time, in the car, when I’m at the gym. I think when you write music and it comes from the heart you can really obviously empathize with it and I think that’s what makes music so great. I think that’s why people like it so much and come together because they all share similar feelings as far as how a song makes them feel....I think music is wonderful. Tell me your story outside of music? None of my family had been to University or anything like that. I came from quite a poor family, they always struggled. I said to myself that I wanted to earn more money and try and get to the top where I can, so I went to University and studied for a degree in zoology to begin with because I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. I love the biology but I bloody hate plants, so I studied zoology. I just really enjoyed the human part of physiology and one of the medical schools in London started a program for physician’s associate. So, I applied and I got in, and I’ve been a physician’s associate in general practice for the past eight years. When I was young, I had a best friend called James and he was like a brother to me. I would see him every day, we went to the same school. But I had a really bad year and my best friend committed suicide and then four months later my dad came down with a rare type of cancer and passed away. So ,it was a pretty horrible year and I think in a way that’s what kind of pushed me into the medical field. The reason I went into medicine is because I thought that I could empathize with things and maybe I could prevent certain things from happening. That has always been a big motivation for me. Watch the “Biding My Time” lyric video from Burning In The Skies here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BQT78XSFYY “Caught In The Undertow” is now available worldwide. Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/album/7izCliMIRqJgM4QnT2iXVn?si=bJEgFPQHTl2hxangW1gKfw&dl_branch=1 https://music.apple.com/gb/album/caught-in-the-undertow-ep/1566390173 Follow Burning In The Skies on the web: Instagram @Burningintheskies_official Twitter : @BurningInTheS Facebook : @Burningintheskiess
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LYDIA COLLINGE Published Model We caught up with the lovely model by the name of Lydia Collinge. Height: 156cm Weight: 55kgs Type of Modeling: Bikini, Fashion, Cosplay, and Ambassador Favorite Food: variety, mostly vegan Favorite Color: pink Pet Peeve: rats and cats What made you decide to get in modeling and why? I decided to do a modeling Course and learn about the modeling industry it also taught me how to become a model and act like a lady learn about the basics of beauty hair, make up, Fashion life, and Posture and Great poses I love what I do I am very photogenic talented And I love the camera as well. How long have you been modeling? 12 Years
What is the best part about modeling you like the most? I love when I make Covergirl and have the opportunity to be Published many times with amazing photographers out there. I love also sharing with my fans my fantastic opportunities. I love the make up and hair that always gives me professional different looks for me as well. I have a variety of many things to show and I’m very photogenic and unique thats what makes it amazing. What is the best part about modeling you like the most? I love when I make Covergirl and have the opportunity to be Published many times with amazing photographers out there. I love also sharing with my fans my fantastic opportunities. I love the make up and hair that always gives me professional different looks for me as well. I have a variety of many things to show and I’m very photogenic and unique thats what makes it amazing.
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Where at you model at or for whom? Independent model taking over the world. What do you feel that modeling has done for you? I feel this has boosted my confidence and self esteem. It’s also through the years given me much more experience and understanding more about the modeling Industry. It’s helped me gain much more fans and great big connections I have had the privilege of now becoming a actress, singer, game character, and more Which is very exciting I am now accomplishing these goals. So where will you be with your modeling in 5 to 10 years? I don’t know I should by then have at least a better outcome hopefully more money and much more experience with my goals by then and further opportunities in the future I would say my dreams would hopefully succeed way before then. What are you hoping to get out of this modeling career? Maybe a nice car and a house nothing to fancy, but
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just to be able to cope with struggles of life and help even my family more traveling options and great opportunities. What are some of your side hobbies when your not modeling? Cleaning, Exercises, Watching my favourite series: “I Love Lucy”, Spending time with Family, Husband and Relaxing, Spending time with my pets, Reading a good book, and Beauty sleep if I get that quality of time. What advice do you have to give other woman who may follow in your footsteps? The industry can be lots of fun exciting but there are still dangers to watch out for there are scams that will get you sucked in with sex trafficking if it’s too good to be true for the money don’t do it its a scam I believe you don’t have to copy to prove to anyone in this world it only drags your self esteem down and gives you a bad reputation in the future do what makes you happy but the right way you don’t need to prove to anyone just be you and yourself.
