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Page 18 // Cover Feature Table of Contents Page 4 Lawrence Wise McGriff Page 7 Thom LaFond Page 9 TiJay Staar Page 13 Kristy Gronseth
Page 15 Jon Rubio
Page 29 Brent Anthony
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Page 32 Ms. Nina Seul
Eileen Shapiro
Celebrity Rock Star Journalist
Page 37 SLYIDE
Page 23 Dylan Beresford Page 27 Eturnul
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PROMOTING POSITIVITY + EDUCATION + DIVERSITY We are a multi-media entertainment corporation consisting of a streaming television network with 3 channels which are located on Vimeo, Roku TV, which is international, and Amazon Fire TV, 2 digital magazines and a streaming radio station at present. We consistently strive to promote positivity, education, and diversity across all our entertainment platforms. Our television channels are AMG Entertainment Network™ Conversations, where we sit down with the movers and shakers of todays’ entertainment, business, and technology industries, AMG Entertainment Network™ Music, showcasing music videos of all genres by independent artists, and AMG Entertainment Network™ Films, offering a wide variety of filmed content from independent filmmakers. Our magazines are, Xs10 Magazine™ which is a hybrid lifestyle and consumer magazine presenting a unique blend of entertainment news from around the globe with exclusive articles that cover a variety of topics including music, film, fashion, technology, sports, health, and travel from A-list celebrities, promising newcomers, and sports figures. The Orange Magazine™ that introduces influencers, “The Fruit of The Industry” in music. Our focus is to share the stories of many of todays’ up and coming artists from around the world in an engaging way. Our radio station is Dagrahynd Radio™, playing an extremely diverse range of genres that span decades of great music from indie and major artists, special guest interviews, and much more. AMG Music™ consists of an independent record label, digital distribution services, and marketing & promotion services to suit all your musical content needs and budget. Contact us for packages and pricing at: www.amgentertainmentnetwork.com
Lawrence Wise McGriff A Life from the Streets A no nonsense type of guy. Baby Wise was an original Supreme Team member, a part of what they called “the original seed.” He was down since day one and his crew controlled the red top vitals. He worked as a lieutenant under his brother, Prince. He sold out of numerous drug spots in and around the Baisley Projects. He allegedly made $20,000 to 30,000 every other day and was a Supreme loyalist and supporter who answered to no one, but himself. Baby Wise was known as a smooth ladies man who kept to himself and avoided the limelight, but would bust his guns when necessary, while handling the team’s business. He was one of the only members in the crew who refused to talk business on the phone and this was long before Goodfellas and The Wire. He didn’t take photos or go out to parties, preferring to stay low profile, get money and handle his business. He was one of the most intelligent members on the team and espoused his values on life, drug dealing and the Supreme Team freely. His word and advice was highly respected and people listened when he talked. His spots were steady and generated mucho illicit dinero for himself and the team. He was known as a fly dresser that rocked all the latest fashions and luxury automobiles of the era. It’s said that it was his crew that sported the infamous matching red Supreme Team jackets. He’s been mentioned in 50 Cent’s Ghetto Qur’an and other songs. He was known as one of Supreme’s main men.
Baby Wise was one of the originals and has remained loyal to his Uncle Supreme and flown the Supreme Team banner since the jump. His name has gone down as a legend, even as he has attempted to stay in the background and let other members of the team get all the hype and accolades. Baby Wise does not have a criminal record that stretches a mile long, but has served 16 years, A significant amount of time and has ducked all the big cases by always knowing when to cut out from the scene. He did 16 years in New York State for Murder and Manslaughter, various drugs and weapons chargers. He is currently the Director of Marketing for Def Jam Recordings, VP of Talent at All Def Digital, Industry Consultant, Industry Mentor, Motivational Speaker, and Community Activist.
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Please, introduce yourself. My name is, Lawrence Wise McGriff. How did you get the name, Wise? It’s my legal middle name. How long have you been in the industry? I’ve been in the industry for over 33 years. What made you get into the music industry? The industry kept me out the streets. How long you been with Def Jam? Since 1984. And why did you pick Def Jam over all others? I always looked up to Russell Simmons. What does Def Jam mean to you? A steady paycheck and a long running label. Name some of the artists you have worked with? Started with LL Cool J, currently with Mr Cheeks, DMX, Fred Da Godson, Loaded Lux, Murda Mook, LOX, Christopher Williams, Grandmaster CAZ, DOUG E Fresh, and a few others who shall remain anonymous. So, what’s your opinion on the direction that today’s music is going? Music TODAY is saturated. Lost it’s feeling. How do you think Trump may effect the music industry? Trump has no influence on the music industry. He’s going to make it hard for unsigned artists to hustle in the streets. Being in the music industry, whats the craziest thing you have seen? Artists with NO TALENT think they’re hot. What mistakes are common when it comes to artists in the industry? Thinking that unsigned artists shouldn’t have to pay for ANYTHING. What will it take for an artist to get signed to a major label? TALENT, A BUZZ & BUDGET. What artist do you feel is hot currently and why? J Cole, TL, Vic Damone, GFG, M3nice, Curtis Cash, UREG, Gang Muzik, Nfinity Music, Luminous, Russ Rooga, GOTAFLICKA, Matt Hustle, Papoose, Remy Ma, Uncle Murda, Mysonne, Jay-Z, Tl, Trey Songz, August Alsina. EVERYTHING OLD SCHOOL. They’re TALENTED and have music with a meaning and a message.
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What advice can you give future artist? SAVE your money, Invest in yourself, and Continue to grind no matter what! NOBODY OWES YOU anything!!
Bailey Elora Facebook: @baileyeloramusic + Instagram: @baileyelora YouTube: Bailey Elora + SoundCloud: Bailey-Elora Photo by @joshpshanks
THOM LAFOND In A Hurry When did you first get into music? Age 9, I began teaching myself Guitar & Drums. I’m 30 now. Who or What inspired you to pursue a career in music? It was an obsession from day one. I began recording myself and gigging at age 13. How has your music evolved since you first began creating music? It has turned away from guitar oriented music and more towards songwriting & production. 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? Passion. I love music, and there is nothing that could sway me away from the sounds. 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 writing songs and recording everyday. I am a Videographer as well, and this year I’ve added 100 self-produced videos to my YouTube Channel and Socials. My goal is to tell a story with music. That story is my own thread & my own ingredients. I Produce my music from the ground up, by laying in my own drums, and adding layers and musicians in the direction my ear is leading me.
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What has been your biggest challenge as an artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how? I have been gathering my camp to finally release music under my own name. I have always been with bands, so it has been hard to make the time or intention to release my solo efforts. The pandemic has offered me much time to pursue my own direction. May 20th, I’m dropping my first official release on all streaming platforms. “In A Hurry”. This single will be followed by 2 albums that are in the late stages of production. 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 have lived solely off my music for 14 years. There has been a lot of struggle in that time. For 2 years I lived in a small cabin in the woods without running water or electricity at 9,000 Ft. Although, it’s been tough to stay afloat financially, I’ve just been letting it all feed into the music. MORE INFO: https://www.westword.com/music/banshee-tree-is-willing-to-give-up-running-water-toplay-music-6043749 What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today? The Beatles - The White Album Jessica Hoop - Hunting My Dress John Coltrane - Coltrane’s Sound Neutral Milk Hotel - In The Airplane Over The Sea Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues
Tell us about your single, “In A Hurry”. When does it release? “In A Hurry” arrives May 20th at 9am in all time zones. It features vocal talents of Daniel Rodriguez from the transcendental folk band, “ Elephant Revival”. As well as my childhood bandmate, Chris Duffy on bass. The harmonies were done by Katie Mintle & Carolyn Hunter. I played drums, guitar, glockenspiel, wurlitzer, & synths. We did the bass and drums live at Introvertigo studios in Boulder, and vocals and instruments were layered in at my bedroom studio. After it was tracked, I mixed it in 24 hours with Jay Elliot, who engineered the drums, bass & guitar session. It was mastered by my friend K. Vandy. Who has worked with Kendrick Lamar, Dr. Dre, SZA, Lenny Kravitz, and countless others. What’s next for you? Is there a new EP or Album in the works? I have 2 albums written. I am releasing an LP on Octave Records In Fall 2021, followed up by my independent LP. (I’ve been writing & tracking this at home all through isolation.) How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? For now, follow me on YouTube: Thom LaFond Fb: Thom LaFond IG & TikTok; @thomlafond My Spotify artist profile is here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2NVtDeFBzHMUFQlzDswS8a?si=mAvSbDa_RZWhIIYRuwC9Dw
What is the best advice you have received? Be aware of your surroundings.
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TIJAY STAAR Artist Making Moves When did you first get into music? I can’t recall ever NOT being around music. I come from a musical family. My Godmother was a minister in a family. church, so she had me in church very early. I did my first solo at 3yrs old. Her Grandfather was the Pastor. What genre of music do you perform and why? I perform all types of music. I do covers. I can rap. I write Gospel, R&B, I love ballads. I create music, I think can be boundless. And why did you choose that style of music? I choose the music I can best express myself through. Or express passionately, to or for someone else. Like Gospel allows me to flow and be focused on interpretations of my soul. R&B cleanses my heart. When I create music, I listen to my whole body. I put my mind, body and soul into my craft. Who or What inspired you to pursue a career in music? Well, at 15, my Cousin was a known up and coming Bay Area Rapper. He put me in the studio, it was my first taste
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of the business side of making music. And I realized then that my voice was good enough to be on a record! How has your music evolved since you first began performing/songwriting? I feel I am more willing to interpret what I really feel. The maturity, the compassion, the lessons I have learned and have spoken with others about. I am more deliberate with messages I want to narrate or re iterate. I was under ground for a long time. Playing clubs around the Bay. I have learned to pour everything out on stage and in my sessions. ’m sure you have shared the stage with a lot of talented artists/celebrities along the way. Would you share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us? I have met both, Mrs. Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. Stevie and I were actually joking backstage one year, at The Concord Pavilion. We were hanging out w/ Narada Michael Walden and Stevie’s band. I had an orthotic boot on, due to a sport injury. He called everyone’s attention to us and made up this
crazy story of HOW it happened! I stood there, for about 5 minutes, rubbing his belly in a burgundy velour sweatsuit. WE BOTH, LAUGHING SO HARD, TEARS WERE FLOWING!!!! And standing next to Mrs. Franklin, I could FEEL royalty resonate from her frame, like a halogen light!! What surprised me is as we talked, we looked each other in the eye. We acknowledged each other sincerity and understanding of why we were both in the same place. She had flats on and I WAS TALLER THAN SHE!! I sang for her later that day. I FROZE!!! For about 8 secs, I FROZE!!! She and I were in a room, I’m singing to her, she brought a plate of food. As she began eating, I FROZE and we just locked eyes. Then, I realized: I AM LOOKING THE QUEEN OF SOUL IN HER EYES, I AM SERENADING HER AND SHE IS EATING SPAGHETTI!! I recovered, but it happened!! It’s a part of my HER story!! I did a show at the Sound Factory (SF), back in the day, with my folks Paw Ray. That’s when THUG YUPPIE was pounding the airwaves! Teaming with KMEL’S DJ’s RICK AND RUSS, we were added to the show!! It was Fire! Ladies in cages, bottles poppin, people EVERYWHERE and I hit a note!!!! And those folks RUSHED THE STAGE!! Security grabs me, speeds me back upstairs and I look out an office window and the poor ladies were still dangling in the air. 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? Passion. Because no matter what else I thought I wanted to do or pursue, I ALWAYS come back to music!! It’s in me! It fuels me!!
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? Yes, and to do something and have more nay sayers than supporters, in the beginning, it’s difficult to suffer also. Having to bypass certain things or events because $$ is low and you need to finish a song to get $$, is REAL. God has made a way and has made sure that going without, really wasn’t me going without. The doors that seemed closed, were just redirections. The no’s were people who didn’t know what they wanted. How do you feel the internet has impacted the music business? The internet has DEFINITELY BROADENED OPTIONS. More platforms have been crated and extended, thus cresting more lucrative opportunities Helping to establish relationships with the most unlikely similar people! If you could change anything about the music industry. What would it be? Created competition. There should be room for everybody. Hyping unwarranted beefs, uproars and demeaning situations for sales. The elements of the beauty of music has been lost and buried under congested beats and watered down and auto tuned vocals, given with no effort of intended perfection, inflection or passion. What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today? And why? Bad Mama Jamma- Carl Calrton (I was a competitive athlete for 18 years. This was my hype song before the 100m. I went from listening to this on a cassette player to listening on an iPod)
Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as an artist in an industry overflowing with new talent and ideas? My compassion for people. My heart wants good for everybody. If I can sacrifice and tour to raise $$ for amazing causes, I will!! It’s my pleasure!! Children, the elderly’s care, I love philanthropy!! So, to surprise some fans with a gourmet home cooked meal, after a show, would be a blast!! A EXCLUSIVE merch package, a private serenade/meet and greets are the bomb!!! What has been your biggest challenge as a performing artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how? Being respected as a woman in this industry is tough. I have just kept pushing. I have to keep standing. I have to be an example of what I expect to be respected. I have lasting friendships and relationships that are woven in an out of the industry. They keep me motivated and encouraged that I am doing the right thing!
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Hotter Than July- Stevie Wonder (vocal game changer for me) My Prerogative Bobby Brown (this cassette album was gift from my Dad, one year. Played it till it popped) Lalah Hathaway- Lalah Hathaway (found her Dads album in my Mom’s closet, and first heard- More Than You’ll Ever Know and was amazed how beautiful her voice was and she was someone I could mimic. Until she found her chord). Tell us about your current project. I released a new SINGLE- NO PRESSURE (3/23/21), working on a couple of tv shows (The Harmony Process and Night Groove TV), working on new musicCOMING SOON. What is the best advice you have received? Never give up!! The Best Is Yet To Come What’s next for you? Hope to be collaborating more, possibly get a part in a film or video How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? TiJay Staar (FB) TiJay Staar (OFFICIAL) YOUTUBE www.reverbnation.com/tijaystaar Spotify/DEEZER/TIDAL/AMAZON/PANDORA
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KRISTY GRONSETH Modeling with Confidence We caught up with model, Kristy Gronseth. Tell us a little bit about yourself? I am a strong and resilient woman who has found joy, love, hope and peace through my faith and my relationships. I am a mom of 5 beautiful children and I am more loved than I ever thought possible by my amazing husband. I am an overcomer of an abusive marriage of 13 years. This helps to make me who I am. However, it does not define me. I have forgiven, healed, and overcome. I am healthy, happy, and fulfilled. What would you say is your sexiest feature? My intelligence, humor, and my husband says that I have a beautiful smile. How did you get into modeling? I was interested as a young lady, however I never had the confidence to truly pursue it. As a grown woman, who had been through many trials, overcoming them. And then coming out on the other side strong, mentally, physically and emotionally, I felt that I had substance and experience to contribute. I wanted to show that real women, women with age and experience, could be beautiful. So, I reached out to a few photographers and started with TFP (Trade For Photos) work. I then reached out to an agent and she was so excited to mentor me and here we are.
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What steps do you take to maintain your physical appearance? I always ensure that I eat breakfast, usually consisting of a protein shake. I eat a pretty well balanced diet and
Photo by @pbaldonado
drink lots of water. I work out 4-5 days a week in yoga, HIIT training, and weight training. I also choose to take the stairs at work, park further out at stores, etc. I love to cycle and I also work in my yard. I stay active in life. I think that a positive physical appearance emanates from the inside out. So, I also maintain a strong spiritual life. How do you hold uncomfortable poses for extended periods? I feel that my physical health and strength really helps me to do this. Without physical strength, it would be difficult. Mental strength is also very important. You have to be mentally strong to maintain anything difficult in life, be it a long awkward pose, to working through life’s struggles. How do you build good working relationships with other models? Be a good person yourself, have a strong emotional intelligence, and work on being empathetic. You need to try to meet people where they are. You never know what others are going through. Kindness goes a long way How do you deal with photographers making inappropriate comments toward you during photoshoots? I kindly remind them, that I expect to be treated with respect and like a lady. What was the most difficult photoshoot you have ever done, and how did you handle it? I think my first one was the most difficult, I was scared
to death and felt so inadequate. I was honest with my photographer and asked for help. He was gracious and understanding, and really helped me to loosen up and not take myself so seriously. Being a reliable model is of utmost importance. How would you describe your work ethic? I have a very strong work ethic. My mom and dad instilled in me the fact that integrity is of the utmost importance and that being on time, showing respect and gratitude are paramount. I also believe that I work for God and not for man. With this attitude, I feel that I am obligated to show up and do my best in every situation.
as well as inspiring them through my work. I would love to be retired from my current full-time work as an Occupational Therapist so I can spend more quality time with my beautiful family. I have 5 children and the best husband that anyone could ever ask for. They are my whole world. Do you have a website or social media? www.facebook.com/kristy.gronseth www.instagram.com/KristyGronseth70 www.instagram.com/otkristy70
How do you handle a situation where a photographer does not properly direct you? I think you need to come prepared to know your poses, what the shoot is supposed to convey, and do your best. You only have you to blame if a shoot does not go well. Study, know yourself, your strengths, and work to be the best you can be. What is your greatest weakness, as a model? What are you doing to improve on it? Lack of experience and confidence. We all doubt ourselves at times, don’t you think? I want to constantly learn and work to become better at every shoot I do. I don’t think we ever “arrive” in life. We should always be on the journey to learn more and strive to do better. What sorts of settings/clothes/brands do you prefer to shoot for, or wear? I like edgy, but classy style. I prefer not to be too revealing as I feel that hints of bare skin are more alluring than revealing the whole package. I think mixing many brands and styles make for a more interesting look. I love outdoor shoots with natural light, beautiful architecture, etc. as they lend for some stunning pictures. However, studio work is really fun as well. You have more control over lighting and effects in the studio so it can be just as stunning. What motivates you the most in this job? I am motivated by wanting to represent strong, resilient women to be the best they can be. I want people to see me, my white hair and my curves and know that all kinds of features are beautiful. I want to emanate light and love and inspire others to reach for their goals and I feel that this medium allows me to reach more with this message. How would your best friends describe you? Outgoing, funny, fun loving, loyal, faithful, honest, joyful, loving, kind and a great hugger. Where do you see yourself in ten years from now? I would love to be modeling internationally, allowing me to include my family in travel and culture. I would love to be helping more people through philanthropy, Photos by Morgan Dallas
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JON RUBIO Labios Rosados For the last few years, you have been known as Wicked J. What made you decide to start going by your given name? Well, wicked j is my underground rap name given to me by some of my MC friends growing up. Now that I’m growing more as an artist, I don’t wanna just fit in one box for music in hip hop. I felt that changing my name would be better for branding purposes and expanding my audience.
than just a living off the music. This music isn’t a hobby for me, it’s a way of life.
Who are your ma jor influences? I get a lot of influences from various artists I am a fan of such as Tech N9ne, Young Drummer Boy, Tupac, Joyner Lucas and Bad Bunny. I also get influenced from those outside of the music scene especially in philosophy. I really enjoy listening to podcasts and recordings of different celebrities and philosopherstalking about life goals and becoming successful. This definitely opened my mind alot and helped me grow to have this ride or die mindset I put I my music. Does your music come from a place of passion or a place of necessity? My music comes from my heart and soul. I put my all into my tracks every time I step in the booth or on stage. My music comes from my passion for the art and also the necessity of building to make more
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New single, “Labios Rosados” is streaming everywhere music is heard.
Tell us about your single, “Labios Rosados” featuring Katiria & Yugs. How did the collaboration come about? Yugs is a good producer friend of mine who I met through another producer actually. We made our first track together called swerving last year and he really loved my style so he had sent me a beat a while ago. He then told me about Katiria who is a great Latin pop artist/singer and said we gotta make this track happen! So I listened to the beat, wrote the hook and a verse and sent it to Katiria. Her talent in the studio is amazing she killed it with her harmonies and had a lot of fun with the song in general. We also shot a video in North Table Mountain in Golden Colorado, and were excited for its release. Where did you get your inspiration to write your new single? This song had to be perfect. I find that my best content comes out when my lyrics n melodys aren’t forced. I wrote it pretty quick and just vibed really well with the beat. The lyrics are about being lost in love with a something or someone and taking risks for that thing or person without even knowing if it’s mutual. Sometimes we feel that way in relationships and also career paths so I decided it would be a good fit to match the beats vibe.
What’s next for you? I’m going to be releasing another music video in the next month or so with a dope local videographer known as “HeyyAyyOne”. Very talented videographer I have to say the dudes gonna be a legend. We are excited to be releasing this single for y’all called “Grind and Shine” in the near future. How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? You guys can find me on all platforms as Jon Rubio, Social media’s as Jon Rubio Music. Follow me specifically on my IG to see more behind scenes of how I make my music and stay updated on what’s going on in my career. Any last words? Just wanna thank you for having me and looking forward to showing you guys more of my content. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1uDmke8Etyzo9hPa2XhVRu?si=1xLG0Kf5TwmVVKlwvuEtGw Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC88Gl2mIh93Hde6vrPuFpag “Labios Rosados” Video: https://youtu.be/V05TTPa7PL8
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We caught up with...
Eileen Shapiro Celebrity Rock Star Journalist & Partner of World Star PR
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Eileen Shapiro: “A Rock Star Journalist Global Phenomena” Imagine having in-depth conversations with the world’s most legendary and iconic artists including: Diana Ross, Emma Stone, Ice-T, Boy George, Annie Lennox, Brooke Shields, Morgan Fairchild, Cyndi Lauper, Dionne Warwick, Rick Springfield, Leonard Nimoy, Jennifer Hudson, Lewis Capaldi, Jennifer Nettles, Fred Schneider, Rick Wakeman, Adam Ant, Leland Sklar, Lizzo, Steve Stephens, David Johansen, Leslie Jordan, Doctor Dre, Tiffany Haddish, Billy Porter, Flava Flav, LeAnn Rimes, Lisa Stansfield, and over a hundred more. Imagine talking to band members from Pink Floyd, Jane’s Addiction, Chicago, Billy Idol, Toto, Spandau Ballet, Public Enemy, Maroon 5, Steve Miller Band, B-52’s, Cheap Trick, The Village People, Devo, New Kids On The Block, The New York Doll’s, The Impractical Jokers......and the list continues forever. Rock Star journalist, Eileen Shapiro has not only interviewed these larger than life superstars, but has met many of them and remained their friends. She has included many of these intimate conversations in her book “Waiting for Adam” published via New Haven Publishing and is about to include even more in her sequel “Waiting for Billy.” Aside from being a world renowned journalist currently writing for over 80 publications globally, a best-selling author, and a radio/TV personality, she and partner Jimmy Star also own one of the biggest PR companies on the planet called “World Star PR”, winning Best PR Company their first year out. Their roster includes: Scott Page from Pink Floyd, CeCe Peniston, Fred Schneider from the B-52’s, famous author and press agent Howard Bloom, Maxim model Sherry Nelson, Record label owner and entrepreneur SohoJohnny, screenwriter John Fusco, TV Host Mickey Burns, Kenny Lee Lewis from thevSteve Miller Band, actor Leon, Superman villain Jack O’Halloran, Stephen Perkins of Jane’s Addiction, Designer Sue Wong, The State of California, and again, so many others. Emerging from a year of isolation I was able to speak to Eileen as she and partner Jimmy just finished their first live Red Carpet celebrity event.....
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Do you recall your very first interview and how you felt while executing it? My very first celebrity interview took place while I was in college studying nursing. I had a fan girl crush on Leonard Nimoy...or Mr. Spock, not sure which. I wrote for a Star Trek Magazine and actually wound up writing the best-seller “TheStar Trek Medical Reference Manual.” I remember waiting on my kitchen floor holding my recording device and watching the phone as it began to ring. I think until he actually answered, I had forgotten how to breathe. Once I asked the first question and he actually answered it I calmed
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Out as well and finally 6 years later after interviewing artists like Diana Ross, Cyndi Lauper, Rick Springfield and a slew of others, my dream came true. It took me not only 6 years but trips through 3 continents to do so. How was that famous and rare Adam Ant interview? I had met Adam several times before it actually happened. I’d been hugged and even kissed by him in passing. Then I found out he used one of my reviews on a DVD cover so after purchasing like 20 of those I procured that interview via phone. I was told if he hated the questions, he would cut it off early but if he liked them, he would continue after the half hour I was given. To make a long interview short it lasted an hour and he thought the interview was “superb.” After Adam you still continue to write. Yes… between myself and Jimmy we write for over 80 top publications. I’ve met the best people and some of my dearest friends because of journalism. That led to myself and Jimmy opening our PR company World Star PR. We have the best clients and we work really hard for them. We interview them, schedule them for radio and TV shows, help produce events for them, and many other things over and above PR, but we love our clients more than life itself...
down. The interview ran an hour long and when I did finally meet him, he remembered me and as he put it, “that rather lengthy interview.” So, you wrote your first best-selling book before you were 20? I did, however, after the Star Fleet Magazine I took a hiatus to get married a few times and have kids. I didn’t get back into writing until 25 years later when I procured a gay bar called The Bunkhouse. Get Out Magazine would often visit hoping that I would buy an ad. Instead, I was having famous transgender entertainer Amanda Lepore appearing at the club, so I offered to interview her for the LGBT publication. I then began interviewing the RuPaul Drag Queens for Get Out and I eventually wrote for the magazine weekly. I still do and it is still one of the best magazines on the planet.
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Through Get Out Magazine, you started interviewing super famous celebrities. What inspired you to keep writing? My first couple of celebrity interviews were Ross Matthews, Michelle Visage, and Sandra Bernhardt, who by the way I have interviewed around 9 times since. I wanted to build up credentials big enough to speak to Adam Ant, my long-time fan girl crush. After securing interviews with Annie Lennox, Melissa Etheridge, LeAnn Rimes and Taylor Dayne I decided it was time to try and interview Adam. I started writing for a British publication called Louder Than War, followed by The Huffington Post. I continued writing for Get
What’s next? My next book it nearly ready. It will be about my journey and everyone I’ve met on my way to an interview with Billy Idol.....if anyone reading this knows him please reach out.... The official website for Eileen Shapiro may be found at: https://eileenshapiro.rocks
Dagrahynd Radio™ https://www.zeno.fm/player/DagrahyndRadio Our radio station plays a diverse selection of great music from many genres that spans decades of musical history. We feel “good music is timeless” so we serve up plenty of that mixed with special guest interviews and much more.
Dagrahynd Radio™ is owned and operated by AMG Entertainment Network.
DYLAN BERESFORD Tomorrow Might Be Better When did you first get into music? I think my earliest memory of really getting into music had to be when American Idiot by Green Day came out. I just thought those guys were so cool, and wanted to be like Mike Dirnt, so I bought a bass, and the rest is wonderful history. Who or What inspired you to pursue a career in music? I’ve always been in and out of bands; I thought being a career musician would be amazing but I knew it would be a difficult trail. My high school pop punk band put out a really (and I mean really) rough EP out, and that was that. This is part of the reason why I am so excited to release this single, and then the following EP I am working on. I really put my all into this project and I am so excited to see how it turns out.
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How has your music evolved since you first began creating music? This is a great question, because I found the evolution I personally had very interesting. I grew up on pop punk and alternative rock, and had always wanted to play in pop punk bands. When I started writing for Tomorrow Might Be Better, it had a different atmosphere. I appreciate what pop punk did for me, but with post rock I feel like I can put much more feeling into the music, and be more freeform and creative than what I had ever been able to do with pop punk.
Photo by @aidoxprim
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? If I had to pick, it would be passion. Music has been one of my most loyal companions. It has helped me through some incredibly dark places, and I know how powerful it can be. I have passion in what I write, especially because I know I might be able to help someone get through something difficult with the help of my music. Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas? I think I have a few special ingredients. One is the fact that I am a recovering heroin addict and alcoholic, and I am very open about so others like me don’t feel alone. I want to provide some hope and let others who are struggling know recovery is possible. I will have 2 years in July! Another ingredient is the fact that I truly try to transcribe a feeling, a thought, a situation into music form without using any words. I think I do that pretty well, and that’s what my songs are built off of. What has been your biggest challenge as an artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how? I think the biggest challenge I face, not just as an artist,
but because of who I am is my recovery. I know that my sobriety comes first, in front of everything else, because without it, I would have nothing else. It has been a long, arduous journey, but I’ve made it this far and I plan on being able to say that same thing years from now, with just a bit more time. I’ve learned to manage my stress, my anxiety levels, to get a hold on my depression. Music is an incredible outlet to have, and I am grateful for that opportunity. 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 would be onboard with no suffering necessary, but unfortunately that isn’t reality. I don’t think it’s necessary, but I do think that it adds a certain edge, an emotional and personal edge, to the pieces the artists compose. Certainly writing is a therapy, and I used it as such whenever I could, putting your most vulnerable, scared self, the part of you that you don’t like, into tangible and personal form, such as music or any other artistic venture. I think people can see that, they know that, and maybe even relate with that. I suffered, but I don’t see it negatively any more. Those rough things had to happen to help shape me and push me to be able to turn that suffering into beauty.
5. Red Hot Chili Peppers – Californication RHCP is an amazing band. They have an intense, and colored history. Anthony Kiedis is definitely somebody I look up to, having dealt with a lot of the same hardships that I went through over the past few years, namely addiction and the associated mental health issues that accompany it. Scar Tissue and Under the Bridge definitely hit hard, in a visceral yet beautiful way. What is the best advice you have received? Be yourself, stay genuine and honest. I’m not in the for the money or fame, trust me. I would’ve tried to be a SoundCloud rapper or make some nostalgic pop music, but that’s not the case. I am making the music for me, which in turn hopefully means I am making it for you. I hope to have the album, or song, that can be an emotional and musical crutch for someone that is experiencing pain or hardship. I hope to give hope, a familiar hand to help pull you through the difficulty and emerge on the other side, a little more wise, resilient, and with a feeling that it’s gonna be okay.
What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today? And why? Oof, that’s a tough question, because there are so many albums I relate to and could say have helped me through some rough times. I’m just gonna wing it: 1. Jimmy Eat World – Futures It’s a stunning work of art. Jimmy Eat World has long been an influence, and I have a special emotional connection to their music, it means a lot to me. I actually play a Jim Adkins Signature Fender Telecaster in most of my recordings! 2. Explosions in the Sky – The Earth is Not a Dead Cold Place. This album really inspires me, and really influenced some of my work. Your Hand in Mine is really a song everyone needs to listen to once, because it just feels so good. 3. We Lost the Sea – Departure Songs This is a recently found favorite of mine. They produce beautiful post rock that really tells a story. Their songs have intricate backstories, and it can truly give you chills, and make you feel like you’re experiencing the story too, firsthand. 4. Blink182 – Take Off Your Pants & Jacket Must mention it because it encompassed my entire childhood, I grew up on Blink, was even in a cover band in high school. Bless Tom for following his heart and chasing aliens, it’s not the same anymore but it was truly a powerhouse of an album at the time, and will remain in my favorites. Photo by @aidoxprim
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Tell us about your single release, Through it All, I Hope You’ll Wait for Me? It’s our debut single. Well, my debut single, since it’s just me. I am incredibly excited, I believe it evokes some positive emotions, a bit sad but still a soft dreamy ride to hope and positivity. It’s my oldest song, and my first official release ever, so I am a little nervous about it. I will have a sweet mountainy music video starring my sister, because she so graciously offered. That will be released in two weeks or so, so stay tuned! Through it All, I Hope You’ll Wait for Me is the precursor and leading single to my upcoming EP. What’s next for you? Next, our EP will be getting ready to be released in the summer! It’s almost done. It’s going to be called You Should Stay Awhile, and it will be a compilation of 5 songs. I hope to take you on an emotional journey, and while it’s melancholy, it has rays of hope and joy that you can grab on to, which will take you to a place you’ve never been before, yet it feels all too familiar. How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? As of May 7th, the single will be streaming across all platforms! You can search Tomorrow Might Be Better on any of the social media sites. Find our newly released single on Spotify at: https://open.spotify.com/track/0xr44YHCm8USnzkcv3N08F?si=55a3253e0ce9414f The best place to see it all is at: http://tomorrowmightbebetter.hearnow.com/
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Photos by @aidoxprim
ETURNUL The Messenger: A Leap of Faith When did you first get into music? I’ve been writing lyrics since I was 9. Recorded my first song as a teenager about don’t do drugs and 1st studio recording engineered By Steve Vicious (Engineer/Producer) in 1997 known for his Production On The Classic West Coast Track Sultry Funk By Mc Hammer. Who or What inspired you to pursue a career in music? Friends, Family, God’s Word Inspired Me and other Leaders In The World. I love Music and Believe It’s One of The Biggest Influences in The World. It’s a Perfect way to express yourself to the world and to tell your story.
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How has your music evolved since you first began creating music? From Raw Lyrical Street Underground Music To Maturing Into What My True Calling In Life Was. My Message and substance have grown. Along with a purpose for why I do what I do with my Music. My Music has evolved tremendously and has elevated to another level. From local influence to a national level and currently headed to international territories this 2021-2022. My writing and style has definitely evolved with the times and has created a lane for this time in the music industry.
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? Passion. I Was Born With A Passion To Fulfil My God Given Purpose In Life. I live to inspire others! I have a passion to finish whatever I start. I’m a Mission and Goal Setter, a Trendsetter. Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas? My message and catchy West Coast flow. 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 believe nothing you haven’t worked for, is worth having. Long suffering comes with purpose. You take some blows, I call them stumbling blocks that I have experienced. Just not giving the opportunity or hate, or someone trying to use your kindness for weakness for their personal gain.
What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today? And why? “ Beyond Illusions” - My First Studio Recording 1997 “Suckaa Free” - The Rawest Uncut Version Of Me (street Music) “No More Stumbling“ - My First Inspirational/ Hip Hop Gospel Album “God Or Nothing“- EP “Mission Possible“ - It’s Truly The Heart Of A Woman, Mother and Love One Expression In Today’s World (My Testimony) What is the best advice you have received? Educate, Encourage and Equip Yourself. Without Marketing, the Greatest Idea will Go Nowhere. Tell us about your single release, “The Messenger” featuring DJ Mac Cummings. How did the collaboration come about? My Unc had been trying to get me to do a 80’s vibe for awhile now, for some years. I finally just took a leap of faith with this record because I feel we are missing the love in music, family, and the Village. I want to bring that feeling back to the world of hip hop and in the music industry. I originally did a post targeting local Dj’s, but I was prompted to reach out to Dj Mac Cummings. He received the track and immediately did his 1’s and 2’s (scratch and hypes) On It, along with Angelque Jonelle singing and Steve OG. That’s How It All Came Together. What’s next for you? Internationally Releasing EP and Also Releasing Our Up and Coming Artist “Angelique Jonelle” 1st Solo Single, “Without Us“. We Will Be Involved With Alot of Community Projects This year as well focusing on Health Wellness such as Overcome Cancer, Overcome Lupus and Hypertension. How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? All Music Available Here: Linktr.ee/ImEturnul All Social Media: @ImEturnul www.Instagram.com/ImEturnul www.Youtube.com/ImEturnul www.Facebook.com.com/ImEturnul www.TikTok.com/ImEturnul Thank You! www.we805south.com TB Productions Media Group www.teresabhowell.com // @thehostteresab
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BRENT ANTHONY Actor on the Rise Who is Brent Anthony? I’m just a simple guy who loves doing outdoor activities (biking, hiking, fishing, paddleboard, boogie boarding, dirt biking, swimming, tennis and the list goes on… My family and friends are very important to me. If I’m going to do something, I give it 100% and do no give up. I’m a guy who believes in integrity. Doing the right thing. I make my own choices and do not follow the herd.
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pretend to be your friend but then ignore you when I booked the role of Young Jeff on Community. They gave me my own dressing room with my name on the door… Boy, did I feel important! They even brought me my favorite snacks. After filming, the adult actors were so supportive and kind. This was for me.
What made you want to pursue acting? My mom started me off acting when I was 4 years old. I quickly learned that this was an activity that I was able to have fun doing. What’s better than making new friends on each new set? I remember when I booked the role of Young Jeff on Community. They gave me my own dressing room with my name on the door… Boy, did I feel important! They even brought me my favorite snacks. After filming, the adult actors were so supportive and kind. This was for me.
What do you enjoy most about being an Actor? I enjoy the people I get to meet and the different experiences I have had. For me, this has been a truly supportive industry. There are a few people who pretend to be your friend but then ignore you when they land something and think they are now better than you. But, I have made some lifetime friends, like Norton Leufven and Grayson Kilpatrick. We all were able to work together on the set of Water Dawg. Nothing better than working with friends. I hope that as we grow as actors and book more roles we will make special appearances on each other projects.
What do you enjoy most about being an Actor? I enjoy the people I get to meet and the different experiences I have had. For me, this has been a truly supportive industry. There are a few people who
What has been your biggest obstacle? Probably my height. As a kid actor, casting wants kids to be a couple grades shorter/smaller than reality. I was tall at a young age and this was challenging.
What kind of advice would you give a person that wanted to get into the entertainment Industry? I would say one of the most important things to do when you are starting off is find someone who knows what they are doing when it comes to acting and listen. Don’t worry about what other people think of you. Just be who you are. Unless you book a Disney show, it’s so important to keep it real. Do you have any up and coming acting (projects?) As far as to be filmed, I have a couple upcoming projects- Powerchild was to film last year but due to Covid, had to be postponed to this year. We are hoping that by Summer we can move forward. We are currently working on funding for the Film The Disembodied. The goal is to start filming that this year. I also have two projects releasing this year. The Hunters Anthology and Waterdawg. I’m also excited to announce that The Hunters Anthology has been picked up by Amazon Prime and premieres on February 12th. Waterdawg doesn’t have a date yet. If so can you tell us a little about what the production is about? Powerchild is about a guy who finds that he has telekinetic powers and the trials and tribulations of what this means for him. The Disembodied is an eerie story of Hamm Radio, Secret Caves and alter Universes. I’m so excited to be a part of both projects. The Hunters Anthology is a story about Mac, a demon hunter who has to find who the demon is on a commuter train.
What are your hobbies when you are not acting? I’m a big outdoors man I love to go fishing. camping hiking, anything to do with nature. What do you do when you are not working on your craft as an actor? Normally I do my school work, workout and when all the stuff i need to do is done I hang out with my friends. What do you see yourself doing in ten years from now? It’s really hard to tell interests change and you never know where the road will lead but I know that acting will continue to be a big part of my life. What has been your favorite role you played? My favorite role that I played was a character called Bradshaw in WaterDog. I loved playing this character because I was acting with close friends and we played off each other. Kind of like Adam Sandler, Kevin James and Rob Schneider. How can fans find you on social media? Instagram:@officialbrenta Twitter: @officialbrenta Facebook: Brent Anthony (Bisenieks) LinkedIn: Brent Anthony
What character do you play? Do you see a connection with this character? In The Hunters Anthology, I have two roles. I play Joe, a bully. I’m anything but a bully (at least I think so!) but I enjoyed getting into that character with my cohort. I also play a gargoyle. This was super fun for me. I got to wear special effects prosthetics and scare people. That’s the devil in me! If you could film your dream movie/TV series what would it be and why? My dream role would be Star Lord from Guardians of the Galaxy. I would love to play this character because I feel like I can relate to him. How did you cope with Covid in 2020? (Did you take classes for acting? Work on your social media, etc.?) Covid was a tough time for everyone. We went from 100 miles per hour to 1. I threw my energy into working out and enjoying the outdoors. My acting class turned Zoom so I continued and still do with that. What do you see yourself doing in 2021? I have high hopes for this year. It’s just a matter of time before all the projects that have been on hold, open up again. I can see myself finishing one of the projects that have been on hold, auditioning and booking some more super cool projects.
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PERLA CORDERO DMe Talent Agency // www.dmetalentagency.com
@perla.model @dmetalentagency11 Photo Credits: @dtphotography
MS. NINA SEUL Talented French Actress French actress, Nina Seul was born on March 5, 1983, near Paris, France. She is the daughter of a German university professor and a French-Italian mother in charge of Cultural Programming of Cannes Palais des Festivals. Nina was raised in Cannes, on the French Riviera, famous for its worldwide well known Film Festival. Very soon she attended movie screenings and theater plays with her parents, both of whom were very passionate about arts and culture. When did you decide that you wanted to become an actress? As far as I remember I’ve always wanted to become an actress. I started Theater School when I was 10 and before that I was creating little shows with my brother and my cousin, we would then perform in front of the family. It honestly feels that this career chose me, and not the other way around. All the joy and all the heartache was just inescapable. Tell me a little about yourself? I was born in France near Paris, I am the daughter of a German university professor and a French-Italian
mother in charge of Cultural Programming of the Cannes Palais des Festivals. I was raised in Cannes, on the French Riviera, famous for its worldwide wellknown Film Festival. Very soon I attended movie screenings and theater plays with my parents, both of whom are very passionate about arts and culture. I’m French, German and Italian and I’ve always been very curious about different cultures. After high school, I moved to Paris to study literature and theater. This is where I started my career, first on stage and then in TV and films. After 15 years living in Paris, I decided to move to Los Angeles. What do you like most about acting the most? Acting is all about passion, it allows me to do something I’m passionate about. It’s a lot of work and sometimes frustration, but it’s also very rewarding. Working on a character can be fascinating and bringing this character to life for a short moment gives me an incredible feeling, it gives you the chance to live different lives and express a very large range of emotions through ‘life situations’ that we usually don’t experience. It’s a work that’s never boring and that gives me the opportunity
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to travel around the world and meet interesting and talented people. What drives me with acting is to become the vessel between the written character and the audience. To bring to life a character for an audience is a very powerful feeling. Can you introduce yourself to our audience? Hi! I’m Nina Seul. I am a french actress living in Los Angeles. I’ve been working in this industry for more than 15 years, In France, Germany, Ukraine, Morocco and the US. I love new challenges and moving to LA three years ago was a big one! I left my career in Europe behind and gave myself the chance to expand it here in America. I’ve been meeting incredible people here, building a new network and a work family. My next project is going to be an action Thriller, ‘Violent Origami’, I’m very excited about it! Did you take up any training in acting? Yes, I did take training in acting, I think it’s very important to work on your skills and perfect them with training. I started my career on the stage in classic plays. When you are on stage you need to know how to use your voice, your breath because the audience needs to hear you and you have to reach everyone. It’s part of the training. You also have to learn how to deliver your lines in some specific ways when you are playing classic authors like Shakespeare or Moliere for example. Acting class is also the best time to explore the different acting techniques and see what works for you. I studied in New York at Stella Adler Conservatory of Acting and in France in conservatories in Paris and Cannes. When did you start acting? What got you started? I started to take classes when I was 10 and was in acting programs throughout school. Then I moved to Paris after High School and started my acting career at 20. I was in a theater company and my first role was Miranda in the Tempest by Shakespeare. Who is your inspiration? I usually find my inspiration in life, travels, people, movies. Everything I see, everyone I meet can feed my imagination, my inner world and subconscious! I use reality to build my characters. For example when I was nineteen I was a huge fan of the show Alias starring Jennifer Garner and she is the reason why I started Martial Art training, I wanted to be able to perform action roles. I think Meryl Streep is the actress who impresses me the most. She is an electric actress. The entertainment industry and the audience are lucky to have a lot of very good actresses and actors, it would be difficult to name all of them, so just to mention some of them, I really admire the work of Viola Davis, Natalie Portman, Kerry Washington or Scarlett Johansson among other. Do you like something other than acting? Other than acting I love literature and writing (I wrote
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2 theater plays). I love cooking and probably would have worked as a chef if I wasn’t an actress. I’m vegetarian for more than 20 years and I love to experiment around food, using family recipes from the south of France (my mother and my grandmother passed me our culinary traditions) and finding inspiration in exotic cuisine like Thai or Indian food. It’s amazing how a simple vegetable can allow you to be creative and fun and how you can work the texture and the taste depending if you use it raw, roasted, sautéed, fried, mashed or baked! Cooking for people I love is a great joy and a way to share and show my love. You have featured in so many great films, which one was your favorite and why? I had the chance to live some wonderful adventures with films in different countries and every time I’m on set I feel incredibly lucky and happy to have the chance to act so it’s difficult to pick a favorite. But the experience I had when I shot F63.9 in Ukraine for two months was magical. I played the lead - a single mother and prominent doctor specializing in sexually transmitted diseases who was approached by the Space agency to cure one of their cosmonauts. It was a real challenge because everyone (including fellow actors and the director) were only speaking Ukrainian or Russian and before the shoot I was a bit worried about it but it didn’t end up being a problem at all once the filming started. We shot in Kiev and Crimea, both locations are beautiful and very unique and there is this special spirit that you can feel in some of these old cities. Those memories will live in me forever.
in the desert. So with no words I had to find the right balance between a character who deals with death every day but who also keeps her humanity and empathy. Tell us about the contemporary scene” Enter Laughing” by Joseph Stein? Enter Laughing was my first acting in English language actually! It was in New York at the Stella Adler theater. It was interesting for me to discover the writer Joseph Stein and American humor through this comedy. Humor as a genre is a very difficult exercise for an actor. Making an audience laugh is more difficult than making an audience cry. I really enjoyed the exercise and was happy to work on something different (I started my acting career with classic plays). Tell us a little bit about the Cannes Conservatory of Music that you attended? I studied piano for more than 14 years and I really enjoyed learning at the Cannes Conservatory of Music. I started my training with classical music and the 2 last years of my training I was experimenting with some jazz basics. Studying in the conservatory environment taught me to have a good work ethic and also how important it is to work on your art and skills every day. I really believe that regularity is the key to success in every field. It helped me as an actress. And especially now that I live and work in the USA,
What attracted you to begin a career as an actress? To be honest, acting wasn’t something I chose. It’s a scary and very uncertain path, you don’t really have control on things and for one role that you book there are probably way more roles that you didn’t book. But it was a career that called me. I was a good student, so when I finished high school I was accepted to a prestigious college in Paris. I decided to do both: college and acting school, but after a few months I realized that all my passion and efforts were in acting and the choice became obvious. As I said earlier, acting is a vocation. I don’t know why it came to me, maybe growing up in a city like Cannes has something to do with it? How are you feeling now after getting the award? I got a Best Actress award for the movie Border at the global Film festival Awards and it feels incredibly rewarding and humbling. The role was challenging because it’s a non speaking role and all the emotions have to be transmitted by the face, the body language and the expressions. The movie deals with a strong and very heavy topic, my character Laura is a medical examiner in Arizona who finds and processes dead bodies of illegal border-crossers trapped acting in English which is not my native language requires me to work every day on it.
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How and when exactly did you realize you had the passion for acting? I always knew acting was a very important part of my life. As a child I was inventing little plays and during all my schooling I was in special schools with theater options. In High School one of my ma jors was theater. But I really realized that I wanted to become an actress when I moved to Paris and I had to choose between the prestigious college I was attending (studying literature and humanities) and my theater class. I realized that I wasn’t able to do both on an intensive level and had to make a choice. I chose acting. Describe your last experience on stage? My last experience on stage was in Paris few years ago before moving to Los Angeles. In parallel to my TV career I was also on stage working on different plays. One of the last one was : ‘Le president, sa femme et moi’. We performed at La Grande Comedie in Paris in front of 400 persons every night for few months and it was amazing to feel a different vibe every night. There is something special in live entertainment. You can really feel the audience , it’s challenging and exciting! The few minutes before being on stage I am always talking to myself : ”Nina, why are you doing this to yourself ? See how anxious and stressed you feel? You have the jitters, your heart beats so fast, your stomach hurts! Why are you doing this to yourself ?!” And the minute I am on stage, a completely different feeling appears in my body and in my heart: pleasure, fun, love, well being! I always feel a bit sad when the play ends and the curtain falls, even when I know I will be back on stage the next night.
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What was your longest-running role on stage or film? My longest running role on stage was for the play that I wrote: “Vous n’avez pas de nouveau message” (You don’t have any new voicemail). We performed for more than a year in Paris, Cannes, Rennes and at the Avignon Festival which is the biggest live entertainment arts festival in the world. For a film, it was 2 months in Ukraine for the movie F63.9
What advice can you give others wanting to get into acting? Well, acting is a difficult path and you have to be aware of it. It appeals to a lot of people but few actors are really earning their living from acting. It’s also a work that comes with a lot of rejection. So, my first advice is to be patient. Don’t give up if it’s really your dream! Don’t take any ‘No’ personally, not winning an audition doesn’t mean you weren’t good, it’s just that you weren’t maybe the best fit for the role. Or maybe the production went another direction or decided to work with someone they already worked with. Anything can happen. You also need to have a very strong work ethic and take care of yourself and your health. Also remember that you have to do 90% of the work, not your agent or your manager. Don’t be lazy, be aware that being an actor is not only being in front of a camera on a set, but it’s hours and hours working on your character, researching and rehearsing, doing castings. I want to conclude with something I always keep in mind: something beautiful about being an actor is that your life can change in a second, you only need one ‘Yes’ to succeed and start something amazing. What is the first thing you do to research and approach a role? The first thing I do is to read the script to have the full story in mind, the context and know the characters mine will interact with to build the relationships and connections. Then, when I begin to work on my character I first start to list what the character and I have in common to see which part of me Nina I can use and bring to the character. Then I can focus on what I need to create and add to my character to bring it to life. For me the context is really important, it gives a lot of clues to the character personality and vibe. If it’s a non fictional character I learn about the person and research the appearance and the look. What experience do you have in developing accents for specific roles? The question of accents is a sensitive one! As a French actress in the USA this is a problem I have to face all the time. I need to be able to get rid of my French accent to play non-French characters and it’s not eas! I work with a language coach on my roles and put in hours everyday on my accent, it’s part of my daily routine. I’m half German and speak German which has actually brought me some German characters here in LA. When I work on this accent for example, I listen to German movies and list the clichés I hear. Clichés in accents are often true.
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SLYIDE Artist with a Bright Future How did you come up with the stage name SLYIDE? Originally My First Love for music was dancing and I picked up and self-taught myself how to Pop & Lock it’s its own unique style its own unique Groove I’ve been told by people I look like I’m triple join it in my knees and when I was thinking about what I wanted to go by as like I was a dancer first and I’d like to slide so that’s how the name came to be that’s why my hashtag is: #SlyideWithMe Who do you listen to when looking for your musical inspiration and why? I listen to a lot of lyrical artists mainly more old-school from the early 2000s and back. Eminem, Tech, Ludacris, Vanilla Ice, newer artists like Kendrick Lamar, J Cole, Hopsin and my newest inspiration comes from Joyner Lucas.
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If you could pick one of those to collaborate with, who would that be and why? In all honesty my answer is the same as everybody else’s when it’s in the list and that’s Eminem. But if we’re talking about something that isn’t going to put me in outer space and isn’t going to be massive on
that level then I’d want to go with one of his lyrical hip-hop students and that would be Hopsin or Joyner Lucas I’d love to work with either one of them they followed his crap closely and I feel like those are two of the artists in the game right now that most resemble Eminem style. You have participated in several areas of musical entertainment…what made you decide to focus on production? The fact that it’s just a different type of art form you know there’s many factors that came into it for one I’m not really the touring kind of guy I don’t like massive crowds of people I like to sit behind the scenes I don’t like to be the center of attention. So being a producer I have a direct influence on how that artist sounds on the track how the beat sounds how they mess together and basically, I’m in charge of making hit vocals into a hit song or a hit beat and mixing it with vocals for a hit song if you know what I mean. It’s a mix of pressure and pleasure in the form that basically you’re pressured to come up with the absolute best result that you possibly can’t but you’re pleasured because you’re doing what you love to do and you can truly make something amazing and when your hearts in it.
Which one of today’s artists would love to produce for and why? Today’s artists are kind of spotty on my list there’s a few though that stick out Kendrick Lamar, J Cole, Hopson, Ryan Upchurch, Adam Calhoun, lady XO, Joyner Lucas, mainly lyrical artists and people who have a story to tell the way I look at it doesn’t matter if you’re considered one of the best or not what matters is what you bring to the game and if you’re bringing some substance to the game in this day and time odds are I’m going to want to produce a track for you. How would you describe your evolution in the music industry over the past 4 years? I started off recording very badly mixed rough a Capella, Hip Hop, and vocal tracks. Trust me, I learned that I could sing a little bit, but what I was trying to sing sounded horrible! LOL. I eventually learned how to make beats over the years, after deciding that I wanted it to be all me on the track not anybody else cuz there was more money in it and then I could truly shape the sound in any way that I want it. And then I decided hey I really don’t want to tour, and artists have to tour it’s just a part of the way it works so I decided in June of 2020 that I wanted to take my experience over to being a producer and perfect my craft there and it’s been a wild ride ever since that I have greatly enjoyed watching everything come together as it has. Being a producer and switching to producing has been the best thing for my career thus far. Where do you see yourself in the industry 5 years from now? I see myself doing well but living humbly. I’m not the type of guy that wants a $5 million dollar mansion or $2 million car or the biggest, hottest looking chain or that Gucci belt or any of those things. I like to have some sense of where I came from, so that I can appreciate where I’ve gotten to. In its Essence, I see my family and I, along with my mother doing well. Having a comfortable financial situation and you know, maybe I’ll finally get a plaque by then you know maybe I’ll finally get to work with one of my dream artist by then you really don’t know you’ll never know it’s in God’s hands. But I feel like Gods on my side in this career and I couldn’t be more thankful for where I am right now and that’s all that matters if I never got any farther. What is the best piece of advice anyone has given you concerning the business side of music? For every and potential clients that’s a no, there’s going to be one that says yes, 1 out of 10. That’s one of the bits of wisdom and advice that I received that is kept me encouraged even when a business deal didn’t quite go the way I wanted it to. What has been the most valuable lesson you have learned while participating in the creative side of the entertainment industry? I have probably learned most valuably that things aren’t always going to go the way you want them to
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there’s going to be struggles there’s going to be times when you feel like maybe it’s not worth it but you just need to get up and jump back on the creative process and vent it all out on a beat in a song whether you’re an artist or you’re a producer or you’re a dancer or a writer or promoter any type of artist. Doing what you love makes you happy so use it as to vent to forget about all that ails you. What motivates you to continue a career in the music business? All the blessings that will come if I just stick with it and keep the faith and keep pushing because from what I’ve learned about the music industry once you get where you want to be it’s extremely rewarding but it is surely not easy. What other creative outlets are you pursuing outside of the music industry? I like to write poetry trying to get a poetry book published right now and get some marketing behind it from the publisher with any luck or blessing. I like live streaming video games on Twitch every now and then I’m a 2K player I’m a Madden player I’m a Call of Duty player and you know a couple of games that I mess around with just started playing MLB The Show and most importantly I’m an Xbox fan best chat service on the planet ladies and gentlemen but all in all I just like doing things that make me feel good writing poetry making music and playing video games make me feel good.
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What do you feel is your best personal quality and how do you use that in your endeavors? I have a huge heart. I have the ability to relate to people that I may not necessarily know all that well I could meet him for the first time or see him on TV and whatever it may be and then there’s the possibility that I may talk to this person on the phone or something like a ma jor TV producer or something like that and I just have a way of connecting with people because I’m genuinely laid-back and cool and a nice guy and I enjoy hearing what others have to say about their experience in their field and what they’ve learned and how that relates to what I’ve learned in my field of music I feel like connecting with people and being able to relate with them in a way that’s productive create more business opportunities for me most of my colleagues aren’t just colleagues their friends. It also helped me get endorsements and ambassador deals though companies like Monster, DJ Jahmar Intl, Curevana, Nava Pouch, Presonus Audio, Redneck Gangsta, SolveIQ, and Xcyte Cables. What would be your parting words of advice to our readers? As my cat sits here and plays with my vape and I don’t sit around, I will part ways by saying that no matter how hard it gets no matter how tough it gets no matter how big the mountain no matter how deep the river you can find a way past that obstacle just make sure you put your whole heart and your whole mind and your whole soul into it and where there is a will there is a way thank you for having me in XS10.
