XS10 Magazine - October 2021

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FOUNDER Michael Neely CEO Rasheed J. Neely EDITORS Aidem Media Group design&print B & S Designs Digital Marketing GRAPHICS design&print

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Michael Neely David R. Navarro Misty White Addison Coleman Sherry Nelson Bruce Glasgow Eileen Shapiro Jimmy Star

COPYRIGHTS XS10 Magazine is sole property of AidemMediaGroup/AMGmusic.Net. Which is owned by Michael Neely and any articles and pictures are sole property of XS10 Magazine and any likeness. XS10 Magazine has been copyrighting since 2012.

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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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Corey Feldman

design&print

Page 22 // Cover Feature Table of Contents Page 4 Chris Severio

Page 19 Jackie Kellan

Page 39 Jojo Picasso

Page 10 Eryn Bent

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Page 41 Beyond The Grey

Page 13 J.Locke Page 16 Kristin Marushka

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Corey Feldman

Actor, Producer and Recording Superstar Page 34 ReddRoxx Page 36 Kendal Murray

Cover Photo by Jessica Pons/The Guardian Table of Contents Photo by Anet Gough/AFF-USA.com

Page 43 BadgyalShiShi


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


CHRIS SEVERIO An Actor’s Dream When did you first get involved in the film industry? I first got involved in the film industry when I first got out of high school. At a young age I was in love with film and would constantly act out scenes from my favorite movies with my parents. So growing up going through high school the time had come where I was graduating and I had no idea what I really wanted to do. I’ve always been someone who had big dreams about life. My parents told me that I could be anything I wanted to be but it was up to me go after it, grab the bull by the horns, and create my own path. That really stuck with me. So, I decided that I would chase that dream of mine as a kid to make movies. So, when I graduated I began taking acting classes/acting workshops for a while before I ever started auditioning.

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Who or What inspired you to pursue a career as an actor? It’s crazy to think back on this, but there have been many inspirations that come to mind when I think what got me to pursue acting. The most important ones would have to be my family. I grew up with a good

childhood, loving parents, and a huge imagination. But every one has their hardships they have to deal with, overcome, and persevere. With those hardships growing up I channeled the way I dealt with things by digging myself into film. I would watch a movie over and over just so I could keep my mind busy but in that came a blessing. I fell in love with film. So, I would get inspiration from so many actors that I would look up to and they became my role models. Actors like Jim Carrey, Mel Gibson, Keanu Reeves, Jackie Chan, Clint Eastwood, Will Smith, Anthony Hopkins, and so many more that I could just go on with were inspiration to me. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen Dumb and Dumber sitting there watching it not even noticing that I’m acting out the scene as if I was in the scene. How has your acting evolved since you first became involved in the industry? I think my acting has evolved tremendously from when I first began. Even after doing some work in the film


reached new heights with my abilities. In the beginning even when I was auditioning and landing parts in film I had no idea what I was truly doing because I was so scared in my own shoes. I was constantly looking for approval in what I was capable of I never just stopped to focus on the task at hand. The fear of failing overwhelmed me and I feel it clouded me as artist to be able express myself on set as well as in the casting room. After taking some time off so that I could live life a little so I could experience some other sides of what life had to offer I began studying film again as I did as a child. I had lost my love for movies for a while because of the auditioning process and filming itself. The pressure had got to me. I started to have so many people look to me and I just felt smothered. I didn’t know how to handle it because this was all things I’ve never dealt before and no one around knew how to help so I became lost in what I was doing. I was slowly destroying a dream I created as child to do something I thought I loved. With the time of thought I loved. With the time off though I once again found my passion for film. So, now that I have that time, I’ve been studying, working with my craft, and a new fire inside me to chase my dreams I know I have leveled up more than I thought was possible. So, I’m excited to see what the future brings! I’m sure you have met a lot of celebrities/fellow actors along the way. Would you share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us? Yes absolutely, I would love to share a story with a fellow actor. In the film Greater Neal McDonough plays my brother(Marty Burlsworth). Little did I know in the beginning when I first got the part as a lead in the film I had no idea Neal was signed on. Neal is one of those actors out of many in my mind that were inspirations to me as a kid. I watched in Minority Report, Walking Tall, and Angels In The Outfield many times! When first meeting Neal was the first time I ever felt star struck. He was everything I ever thought he would be and more. The most genuine down to earth soul you could ever meet. While filming we spent much time together. I got the opportunity to talk to him about so much like any kid would want when meeting their idol. Neal and I played so much on set between scenes like we were real brothers. We would wrestle, race each other, and ever roast one another for a good laugh. It was something I could hold dear to me until the end of time. One of the last nights I was on set with him we had some tough scenes to do. After we got done he came to me, held me in his arms, and he told me a little something that I’ll forever be grateful. Which ma jority of what he said I will not share but I’ll share one piece. He said you’re great kid, I love ya, and your ride isn’t over! He slapped me on the shoulders, smiled, and walking away pointing at me. In that moment someone from the production caught that on camera. So, I actually have that picture where we shared that moment.

Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas? Honestly? I believe we are all unique in our own way, but if I had to give an ingredient to what makes me special as a performing artist it would be my ability to give back and help others along their path in life. Through my accomplishments of working in the film industry, I have had so many people from all walks of life from children, teenagers, and even young adults tell me how I have inspired them! How I have motivated them. How I helped them because of my journey in life. It really gets to me on such a deep molecular level that people have turned to me holding me up as someone they look up to. I often get emotional when I receive such messages from those who tell me how I have helped them. I do my best to reach out to those who try to contact me so I can show my appreciation for their support and as well give back to them in anyway I can. If it’s a kid wanting to play football I will reach out to them to give them words of encouragement and show my support for them. I believe we all have a purpose in life and I’ve always felt that in someway I always wanted to help others. Acting has given me that platform to do so and I want to be able to continue to keep reaching those who could use a little help in life. Life isn’t always the easiest, but having a little help goes a long way! So if I can do that I absolutely will!

Neal McDonough and Chris Severio signing autographs at Pulaski Academy before the Little Rock premiere.

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What has been your biggest challenge as an actor? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how? My biggest challenge as an actor would have to be if I did good enough. I’ve always been someone growing up who looked for approval in everything I did. I wanted to be great at something. For so long I lacked confidence in myself. That truly held me back for a long time in life just in general. I was a chubby kid growing up who got severely bullied and I just felt like I couldn’t do anything right. I became a loner most of my child good. I’m not saying I didn’t have friends because I did but I mostly kept to myself staying in my room closing myself off to the outside world. It wasn’t until later in high school where I was able to break out of my shell and truly start learning what confidence was. It took a long time for my to gain confidence and self belief. Now when I started acting I was never bullied or made fun of but I lost my confidence along the way. The constant battle of day in day out auditioning one part after another to not land anything. I can’t tell you how many parts I’ve auditioned for until I landed my first role. That was crushing to me. I was working so hard to feel like I was getting no where. I felt like I was failing at everything and in that my confidence was diminished. It wasn’t until after I stepped away that I was able to regain my confidence and how I finally overcame that challenge was accepting the fact that failing is part of the process. We can not Chris Severio, with his brother Lee and their father Tony.

succeed and accomplish the things we truly desire unless we have failed trying to obtain it many times. If you truly want something you will find a way! When you fall down it doesn’t matter if you fall down a hundred times it only took that last time to stand back up before you get it. Your father is Sci-Fi/Horror film director, Tony Severio. Tell us about the films you have been a part of and what it’s like working with family. Please explain. So, working with family is probably the funnest projects to ever work on. I’ve been doing film projects with my dad since I was a child. As I said before my family has been my biggest inspirations and that has a lot to do with my pops. It was a lot of fun as a kid growing up going home to my pops where we would come up with silly ideas and go out in the backyard or his shop to create funny little skits/short films. I remember so much of those days growing up. We did this Star Wars fan film many years ago. I was probably about 10 or 11. A fat little chubby padawan making his debut on the Millennium Falcon shooting down Imperial Tie Fighters. It was quite hilarious. Imagine this chubby kid holding a make believe canon in his hands shaking it back and forth like he’s shooting everything destroying anything in sight and my flab shaking everywhere. My dad didn’t have a lot of money, but he worked with what he had and we made the best of it. Within that we created so many memories that we still recall to this day. The fan film was called, Spy Wars. Loved your work in the feature film, Greater. Were you surprised when you got the news that you landed the lead role? Please explain. I was so surprised when I landed the lead in Greater! I can’t tell you how incredibl y excited I was. Let’s put this in a little perspective so we can understand the weight of it. So, I was auditioning constantl y in New Orleans one after another. Remember how I said my confidence in my craft was crumbling. Well, this was one of those times where it was fading for me and I lost all drive to continue to want to be an actor. I had so many auditions and I was failing one after another when I started to tell myself it was probabl y time to find something else or start looking for a big boy job and hang out my dreams. I was working at a gym at the time. I was a morning manager where I would open up the gym at 5am and I would usuall y get off pretty earl y in the day, so I always had time to travel for auditions. So, I remember vividl y that week I was pretty down on myself because I had gotten an audition earlier that week and I just remember bombing it out. I couldn’t believe this was happening to me when my agent called. She said Chris how fast can you get to Nola. I told her I guess I could after work. She said look I have a huge opportunity for you and

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I need you there right away. My ears perked up! I told her yes ma’am, I’ll be there whenever you need me. So, that day I got to Nola from Baton Rouge with my pops, because he was actually auditioning too for another role. So, it was really awesome to go together for that. When we arrived I received the breakdown for the part. Not even realizing at the time it was for the lead in the film. It wasn’t until I was in the room with Matthew Morgan the Casting Director for the film that it was for the lead role. I went cherry red in the face. I got more nervous that I have ever been. I was basically doing a cold read because I hadn’t gotten much time to rehearse so I was doing the best I could in such a short period of time. So I managed to gather up my bearings and went after it. I left that day so discouraged... I told my dad that I didn’t think it had went well at all and he said, man no worries let’s just head home and get a bite to eat. So, honestly after that day I just tried to forget about it. I didn’t wanna to beat myself up over it. A week went by and that’s when I got a call back audition. I had to drive up to Fayetteville, Arkansas which was a 10 hour drive from where I lived. So, when my family found out my pops said he would go with me and when the day came we left to head up there just me, my pop, and my step mom! When we arrived I had done so much research for the role as Brandon, trying to get to know who he was and how I could relate myself to him. I had worked so hard for this call back there just came a time while we were on the trip where I looked at my dad and I told him that this was mine. He smiled saying, you bet it is boy! Well, we get there that day and I’m sitting there with two other monsters of men who were auditioning for Brandon as well. That confidence I had began to diminish. I was looking at these guys thinking, man I’m no where near as big as them and they look a lot more like Brandon than I did. I closed my eyes until I heard my name called. I hear Chris and walked into the room. There sat the director David Hunt, the producer Brian Reindl, and the casting director Matthew Morgan as well as a few other assistants in the room. I took a deep breath. They greeted me with smiles and it just felt really light in the room, which to me I always feel a heaviness when I’m auditioning. The audition began! For 45 minutes it felt like was in the room going on scene after scene, reading for other parts, and improvising scenes with the director. I felt great about the work in the room that day! When I left they told me how much they loved what I did and I walked out on cloud nine. I just knew I had this in the bag. They told me they would give me a call. So we went home and I went back to work. A week went by and nothing. My anticipation to hear from them was going through the roof. Just when I thought I wouldn’t hear from them I got a call from David but it wasn’t the call I thought I was

getting. I answered the phone so excited! I couldn’t believe it, I just landed the role. That’s when he answers to say, Chris you got a second? I said yes sir. David says, man I’m sorry, but we gave the role to another guy. I was crushed. I didn’t even know what to say. I usually don’t even get phone calls back to say I didn’t get a part. So, I was lost for words. I somehow managed to say, Thank you so much for calling me to tell me the news. I know you didn’t have to do that and I just want to say thank you for giving such a great opportunity to perform and audition for your film. He giggled. I was confused. He said how would you feel about another big role in the film? I said oh my goodness, yes absolutely what is it? So, he told me the part. I agreed. He said okay, I’ll give you a call next week and we will get the ball rolling. I was ecstatic!! I didn’t get the lead but I still managed to land a big role in a film. A dream of mine coming true. Words can’t explain what I was feeling. I had such a swagger about me after that walking around like I just won the lottery! Not in an arrogant way, but in a way where I just felt the best I ever have. Next week comes and I receive another call from David. He tells me hey Chris stand by your phone some things are changing and I wanna keep you in the loop. I said okay, but really nervous as to what that meant. A few days past and no call... Then, it was at the end of the week on a Friday when I finally heard back from him. David calls and I picked up telling him hello and he says, man I really need you to sit down. I knew what that meant. He was about to tell me bad news. I said okay. Even though I kept standing. My step brother was there with me that day standing next to me listening. He goes well there isn’t any easy way to say this but we are cutting you from the part we decided to give you. My heart sank. This is what I was fearing the

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most from my last call with him. So, I began to say again how much I appreciated the call and thanked him for the opportunity... when he says, but look if you still want the role for Brandon it’s all yours! I said, WHAT?? He laughed out loud. He says yes sir, me and Brian talked to over and over. We just felt like you were the best fit for Brandon and could portray him with the capabilities that we are wanting to show to the audience. I literally collapsed! I was in shock. David congratulated me! He got off the phone telling me I would be flying out to Arkansas the next week. I began crying, my step brother didn’t know what was going until I told him. He jumped up with joy. Then, I jumped up in Joy! We started being crazy screaming at the top of our lungs in our apartment that we were living in, sing the song Started From Bottom! It was one of the biggest moments of my life and something I’ll next forget! Your portrayal of Brandon Burlsworth was amazing. What was it like? Being able to portray Brandon Burlsworth in Greater was not only a dream come true, but it also saved my life. Not the role, but the life of who Brandon was saved me because the many things he went through in life, I happened to walk a path in similar regards. So, I was able to relate to him on a personal level. With that, I had lost my connection to god years ago before landing the role. I was living in a dark place in my life before meeting Brandon (figuratively). Getting to know his story, meeting his family, and Chris Severio as Brandon Burlswoth in feature fim, Greater.

some of his teammates was so eye opening, which gave me a bigger pathway to know who Brandon was. His relationship with God was something I no longer had, but in the process of filming Greater is when I was able to mend my relationship with him and if it wasn’t for Brandon, I probably wouldn’t be having this interview. So, when I say it truly means everything to me that I was able to receive such an honor to portray him it was also an honor to get to know his life and the legacy Brandon left behind! I wish I could thank him somehow, but I know doing this film is in some way, it shows him how thankful I am to be part of his story! What projects are you currentl y working on... that you can talk about? Currentl y, I can not talk about anything I’m working on, but I can say that you will be seeing me back shortl y! I have high hopes for the future and can’t wait to bring you all along with me!! What’s next for you? What’s next for me, is to continue being a daddy to a beautiful little girl, who I adore very much! We have school projects coming up. I’m looking forward to creating some school art! We also have Halloween coming up so I intend to get us some pumpkins soon so we can carve, paint, or glitter up. Also, spending time with famil y creating some good memories, following my dreams, and helping others where I can! I also wanna take my mom out on a date soon! We haven’t done that in a while and I know she would enjoy a dinner and a movie with her youngest favorite son. Since, I’ve received such great feedback from so many, I’ve been wanting to work on a program where I can come out to talk to kids/teenagers in schools, share my journey, and encourage them to follow their dreams by creating their own path in life!! How can fans-to-be follow your career? Anyone can follow me on: IG @cseverio Tik tok @cseverio Facebook Chris Severio

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Bailey Elora https://linktr.ee/baileyelora Photo of Bailey Elora by Ricky Zastrow @coloradophotoworks


ERYN BENT The Eryn Bent Show When did you first get into music? What was your inspiration? I started singing at a very early age, and was inspired by Celine Dion, Heart and Disney songs when I was very young. In my teenage years, I started taking instruction and got more seriously into singing and performing at age 13 and was heavily inspired by Broadway musicals, most especially The Phantom of the Opera.

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How has your music evolved since you first began creating music? When I first started writing, I was a teenager and really wrote about the rollercoaster of emotions one feels as a growing teen, so my earliest songs were not very well structured but were filled with just pure naive emotion and teen angst. I try to put more thought and effort and work into the songs I write now, and go about writing in a more deliberate way. My sound has evolved from a folk/pop sound to a country/americana sound over the last 15 years as such.

Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas? I do hold tight to being an autobiographical songwriter, but I feel my uniqueness is in my live performance. I’m incredibly passionate about the delivery of my songs, and singing them to people is my absolute favorite thing to do, and I feel that it shows in my performance. I get lost in it, and there’s a certain magic that the language of music only has. What has been your biggest challenge as a performing artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how? My biggest challenge as a performing artist is dealing with anxiety in a band setting. I am incredibly comfortable playing solo in any given setting, but throw my band behind me, and I get anxious. I do still struggle with this, not as badly as when I first started playing out with a band, but thankfully I have very patient and professional bandmates that


deliver every time and work with me through that anxiety. Practice and communication are what help me overcome and manage it, as well as talking myself through what I’m feeling at the time. 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 hear that phrase a lot, I don’t believe that anyone must suffer for their art. Sure, there are some dues to pay when it comes to any job. I feel that every single person on this earth suffers in one form or another, and sometimes artists choose to take that pain and turn it into art. I think my reframed statement regarding that would be “You must work for your art.” Some of my best songs were written in the happiest times in my life, but I still, no matter what, have to work at writing songs and making time to write and create. How do you feel the internet has impacted the music industry? As an independent artist, the internet has helped open up many doors to me that wouldn’t have otherwise been available, and I feel like that’s true of any music artist in the music industry. We’re able to reach fans internationally, live-stream shows to audiences worldwide, connect with other artists and musicians, distribute music digitally on multiple platforms. An endless amount of possibilities at your fingertips.

3. Dierks Bentley - Modern Day Drifter - it was hard to pick just one of Dierks’ albums as I am incredibly familiar with his whole discography, but Modern Day Drifter was a huge part of my life when I picked up and moved from Montana to New Mexico. That album helped influence my writing during that time and Dierks’ music really was the catalyst for my country sound. 4. Dreaming Through The Noise - Vienna Teng I went through a very raw and rough time mentally after my move to New Mexico, and I came across Vienna Teng’s “Blue Caravan” on a Robert Plant/Alison Kraus playlist. One of the best songs I’ve heard to this day. The whole album was something I l clung to during that time, it was an emotional support of sorts. Her skill as a musician and writer are on a whole other level I deeply aspire to. 5. A Tori Amos Collection - Tales of a Librarian - Tori is a beautiful burning flame of creativity and art and passion that I absolutely admire and idolize. This album is just a collection of some of her brilliant work, but she IS passion, and in my opinion no one comes close to her. What is the best advice you have received? When I was a freshman in high school, I was cast as the lead in the Wizard of Oz. I remember during our first rehearsal, I had a crush on the boy playing the Tinman, and was flirting during our scene. My director

If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be? I’d like to see musicians paid more royalties for their streamed music. What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today? And why? This was hard - but these 5 are definite parts of my life and soundtracks to ma jor events that have played out for me throughout my life. 1. Wreck of the Day - Anna Nalick - I first heard “Breathe (2 am)” as a freshman in college (that Grey’s Anatomy episode!) while studying opera and vocal performance - I was just starting to play shows around town with my guitar and this was one of the covers I played at those shows. This whole album is a work of art, and Anna’s voice and writing is so inspiring and unique. Really was a part of my first steps into my career as a singer-songwriter. 2. Raising Sand - Robert Plant & Alison Kraus - my favorite album. I’m so excited to see they are releasing another one soon, but the production, the vocals, the songs, the lyrics - this album has been present at every point in my life, and “Polly Come Home” holds so many memories and emotions. Their vocal pairing is exquisite.

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pulled me aside, looked me in the eyes, and said “Do you want this to be the (Boy’s Name) Show? Or the Eryn Bent show? Because right now, you’re making this show all about him.” That was exactly what I needed to hear. “No, this is the Eryn Bent Show.” It was good advice for that show and for my life - I have control over where my attention goes and what I set as priority. Whenever I need a quick adjustment I think, “Is this still the Eryn Bent Show? or am I making my life about someone/something else?” What’s next for you? I’m gearing up for the release of “Red” on October 29th and for a 2022 tour of the album. I am shifting my live performances to more stages, so I will be playing out more with my band. I’ve also started prep work for #EB4, so I’m hoping to get into the studio with the next album within the next year. How can fans-to-be gain access to your music and follow your career? The best way to follow me is on social media sites (Instagram, Facebook) or through my official website: erynbentmusic.com The easiest access to my music would be through streaming sources such as Spotify, Pandora, SoundCloud, Tidal, Amazon Music, Apple Music, etc.

Photography by Jessica Preston Photography

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“Don’t Know Why”, the latest single release off of “Red”, starts off the 11-track album and gives a starting point to the auditory illustration of the rest of the album and its story that plays out following this song. It showcases a cheery, fantasy-esqe melody while lyrically it delves into the purgatory that is lost love. It is a clear step in the country direction, while also clinging to the unique, raw, singer-songwriter elements Bent is known for. The accompanying music video gives a glimpse into the visual album that goes along with “Red”.


J.LOCKE Perseverance When did you first get into music? What was your inspiration? I’ve always loved music. I was always beating on something. Be it drums in the church or freestyling in a battle at school. It was natural. My first record came much later, but I can still remember as child being excited with sounds and melodies. My inspiration is life. It’s therapy.

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 we have today is being able to control your art and your price point. Streaming has been a blessing and curse. It allows you to be heard, but you get paid less than a penny for that freedom.

How has your music evolved since you first began creating music? Music is a craft that cannot sit still. It’s always changing and reinventing itself. I feel more comfortable with my craft today because it is 100% me. No filter, no lies, just me. I am at the moment. It’s freeing.

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? Your art is like anything else, it can be your saving grace or it can be your personal jail. It’s all in how you work it. I have suffered because there were times I did not know the value of my work.

Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas? The faces change, but the sound and creativity is very much the same. Because, I am free to express my personal experiences and ideas. It allows me to individualize the message and how I present it. I see a lot of Migo babies being pushed and tossed around. Everybody raps the same and move the same. It’s easy to stand out now-a-days. Just be original.

How do you feel the internet has impacted the music industry? Again, I think it is a blessing and curse. lol! Sure, it gives you access to the entire world, but it also cost money and a strong game plan. People with money control that vast space and try to give you the illusion of having that kinda reach, but in reality it’s no more profitable than you selling CDs in the 90’s. Sure we get heard but not as many see true profits from their work.

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If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be? Give it back to the artist. Let the true artist create. I would like to stop music from being weopinized and allow it to be in the hands of true creatives. At a time, you could not sound like another artist and you could not be fake. What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today? 1. Aquemni 2. God Sent Me (mines) 3. Mr & Mrs (mines) 4. The Roots 5. Like Water for Chocolate (Common) What is the best advice you have received? Be you. Tell us about your current project. I wrote “Grateful” during the pandemic. So, I had a lot of time to self reflect and grow. By far this is my best body of work, but it is also the most creative. I’ve become even more comfortable in my skin and in my creativity. I have this desire to visit Africa so that influence is heard. I’m connected to my people. I’m a wiser man. A father, all of this reveals itself. What’s next for you? I’m not sure what the future will bring, but I’m preparing for my legacy. I’m preparing to set my bloodline up for greatness. How can fans-to-be gain access to your music and follow your career? I have music on all digital outlets, just look up J.Locke and start with the MR & MRS album. Sidenote, this has been a great interview great questions. Thank you!! Also reach me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook at: JLockeSMG

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KRISTIN MARUSHKA Accomplished Fitness Competitor & Trainer When did you first get involved as a model? I began modeling when I began competing in bikini fitness competitions about six years ago. My first photo shoot was intended only to capture my progress and from there everything else evolved as related to modeling. Who or What inspired you to pursue such a competitive career? Overall, sports and fitness have been my inspiration. I have always been an athlete and involved in sports. My first love was basketball and I played since I was in third grade. I went through sports in high school and played basketball, volleyball and ran track. I am also a group fitness instructor and have been since I was 22. In 2014 I attended my first fitness competition as a spectator and decided I wanted to try myself. Competing in fitness competitions was a great next step in my fitness journey. After I competed in my first show, I was hooked. Here I am now, six years later, still enjoying the journey. I have met so many amazing people along the way and have had opportunities open up all from following my passion.

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I’m sure you have met a lot of talented individuals and/or celebrities along the way. Would you share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us? I have not really met many celebrities besides a quick hello in admiration but I do know many talented individuals.


Oh wait….I did get to meet Nikki Sixx but that was at the Dallas Airport super random. He was my childhood crush (haha) and Motley Crue my favorite band growing up. How has your modeling evolved since you first started? My modeling has come a long way. I am more comfortable in front of the camera as well as with different looks related to my body. I can be very muscular to very voluptuous and curvy. Learning how to pose, my angles and putting looks together has evolved and improved. Learning what various photographer’s styles are and what look they are going for has also been exciting to learn. Creating images has been very exciting to me as a model! It has been nice to learn techniques from different photographers as well.

chiseled which can make for amazingly creative artistic shots. My body frame can be deceiving…. I am only 5’4” but my legs look extremely long in photos especially with heels. As far as my overall look, I am half Hungarian and half Spanish, so that European look may be different that most others.

If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other drives you to stay in these tough careers? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why? Definitely PASSION! I am so passionate about fitness and art. I love love love the fact that our bodies can be sculpted into pieces of art like clay we can create our masterpieces. Sounds crazy but it is true! We have the power and control to make choices to create and inspire! Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a model in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas? I feel that as a fitness model, I feel there is more flexibility with height, weight, and overall appearance vs. fitting into a stereotype. I can be soft or I can build my body and become very muscular and

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What has been your biggest challenge as a model? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how? My biggest challenge has been learning my looks. Certain people have a look and I like to try having a variety of looks, but that takes some learning, practice and risk taking. Another challenge has been not comparing yourself to others. Being unique is a strength but at times, paying too much attention to others or comparing yourself can be self-defeating. So I try to look at the beauty in all and realize that my look is my own and not everyone will like that but that’s what makes this world colorful and diverse. A common phrase as a performing artist is, “you must suffer for your art”. Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art? I don’t think you need to suffer for your art at all. Embrace your art and your expression and as long as you believe in what you are doing and are passionate about it, you will make others believe in you! On the other hand, nothing was handed to me either so I did have to put in the work and effort and be a self-motivated pioneer per se. How do you feel the Internet has impacted the modeling business? Please explain. The internet and social media have propelled mod eling into everyone’s face! The various platforms are making it easier for exposure but at the same time it can be flooded with beautiful women and men. There is so much creativity out there, I love it!!! Trying to compete with so many individuals is difficult and that is why making those concrete real connections is so important. Like this interview…..I am so excited to be doing this! Do you have any hidden talents? Hmmmm, I can play a handful of songs on the guitar…..”welcome to the Hotel California….” I can juggle and oh love to paint! What is the best advice you have received? My best advice has been, “Exaggerate and sell your best feature!” I think this has been great advice! Knowing your best feature is an asset. What projects are you currently working on... that you can talk about? Currently, I am working on a series of “body art forms” that capture the musculature of the body while playing with light. Let’s see how those come out!! I am excited to see the end product. How can fans-to-be follow your career? People can follow me on Instagram primarily. My Instagram name is @getfitwithkristin Thank you so much for this!

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Photography by Doug Mungavin Photography @dougmungavinphotography


JACKIE KELLAN Breaking Barriers Her Way Role Model, Icon, A True American Success Story by Sherry Nelson Jackie Kallen is a Queen among Kings, but unlike the Succession of a Monarchy she was not born Royal, nor did she marry a handsome Prince, instead, through old fashioned hard work, laser focused determination and remaining true to herself, Jackie Kallen did it ‘Her Way’ breaking stereotypes in a graceful ascent that shattered the proverbial glass ceiling in the male dominated world of boxing. Climbing up that mountain of success, Jackie Kallen gracefully extends her hand to offer those seeking inspiration, encouragement, and guidance, through her role as a motivational speaker, life coach, host of the very successful Podcast ‘Out of the Ring’ on Exposure Network TV, and author of two bestselling books - Hit Me With Your Best Shot and Between The Ropes. With so many accomplishments under her belt it was inevitable that Hollywood would want to put this larger than life icon on the silver screen, and in 2004 the movie ‘Against the Rope’s’ starring Meg Ryan and Omar Epps was released, based on and inspired by her life story.

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(L to R) Jackie Kallen, Muhammad Ali, Elvis Presley, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Carl Weathers and Frank Stallone, Don King

Jackie Kallen is hailed as “The First Lady of Boxing” having coached and managed some of boxing’s elite with her most recent Champion, Sam Rizzo, a Junior Lightweight Boxer, who won his first pro bout debut in Detroit with a second round TKO. Jackie is highly respected for her many accomplishments in what was once a male dominated sport as an Inductee into the California Boxing Hall of Fame and, the proud recipient of the prestigious Aileen Eaton Award for Lifetime Achievement in Boxing. This Matriarch of Boxing is also responsible for the emergence of female boxing stars Laila Ali, Ronda Rousey

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, Mia St. John for without her it could be argued that the door to diversity within the ring would still be closed.* Born in Detroit, Michigan, Jackie’s zest for life and inquisitive nature began at the tender age of eleven when she put pen to paper writing about the many unique and interesting people around her community. “When I first started writing, I wrote like a columnist with my own by-line and picture because I wanted the reader to know that it was my opinion. I immediately started


writing about people and why we are all unique. I found creative ways to describe each person I met in a different and unique way.” She learned by example watching how the great Barbara Walters presented herself in an interview and surmised that with poise, confidence, and knowledge, coupled with a winning personality, and treating everyone you meet the same way, success is sure to follow. “I have strived to treat everyone I meet the exact same way and I have had as much fun talking to a bus-boy as I have had with the owner of the restaurant. I never differentiate between a rich person and a poor person, a successful person and a non-successful person, a good-looking person or an unattractive person. Every person has a story and everyone is worth knowing.” Keeping with this philosophy in mind, Jackie was able to get access to some of the most elusive personalities in entertainment when she began her career as an entertainment journalist. In 1975 she approached then Mayor Wallace Holland into giving Elvis Presley the Key to the City of Pontiac Michigan while he was in town performing at the Silverdome. “Elvis Presley and Col. Tom Parker were known among the press as not being too keen about giving interviews, so I thought how could I approach them in a way that would make them feel more comfortable so they would open the door and grant me an interview? So, I offered them an olive branch of sorts, a key to the city!”

One of the hallmarks of Jackie’s personality is her bright outlook on life, knowing who she is and where she wants to go. Always conscious that good manners never go out of style and “a woman with class and dignity will always be successful. [Jackie has] always chosen not to swear, not to dress down, not to be a poor role model by drinking or smoking and to always be fair and kind in my dealings”. One such instance of Jackie being fair in her dealings occurred in the early 1980’s when she was sent to review a comedic performance of Andrew Dice Clay. Known as “The Diceman” who at that time was a brash new comedian generating negative headlines for his delivery and subject material used in his standup comedy act. Before she set out to review his performance, it was imposed upon Jackie to

Jackie Kallen, Authored books Hit Me With Your Best Shot and Between The Ropes, Movie Poster for ‘Against the Ropes starring Meg Ryan and Omar Epps

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been writing. Jackie fondly reminisced about his performance saying, “I laughed, he was funny. I was not going to write what I was told to write before I saw the show, I wrote what very few did at the time, that he was funny and entertaining”. To this day Jackie and Andrew Dice Clay are friends and he still has her positive review of his performance on his dressing room mirror. Jackie has lived her life without judgment of others and continues to emulate the legacy of her very first role model, a Civil Rights Activist and Native American Rights activist, her mother Marjorie.

My mother was my first role model. She was beautiful and principled and taught me the importance of protecting and caring for those most vulnerable. She was very active in Civil Rights and Native American Rights. I admired that and I learned to fight for the underdog. She taught me how to make a difference, and in retrospect boxing is a microcosm of life because everybody has a fight in their own life – fighting for your health, equality, a better salary, or to get along with someone. Jackie Kallen grew up in a male dominated family having one sibling - a brother, several uncles, and later a husband with four brothers of his own. Perhaps it was because of this testosterone driven environment coupled with the activism of her mother that played a role in Jackie being drawn to the boxing gym. There is something about a boxing gym that touches me in a different way than any other gym. There’s a level of intensity that is so thick you can almost cut it. I love it. The people there are not training to get in shape or to let off steam. They are not there to make friends or to socialize. These are people who live, sleep, and eat boxing. Their future depends on how well they do. In its purest form, boxing is a raw, singular sport without weapons or shields, just bare strength and talent - such as life where we alone must fight our own battles.

Jackie Kallen with Andrew Dice Clay “The Diceman”.

Jackie as a baby with her mother Marjorie in 1943, and again as an adult.

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It was here in the boxing environment that changed the tra jectory of her life forever when she was sent to interview her now lifelong friend – Boxing Legend Thomas “Hitman” Hearns. Standing inside the famous Kronk gym where the air was filled with energy, discipline, and adrenaline Jackie switched from entertainment journalism to focus on the world of boxing. She began writing press kits for various boxers, those that had representation and for those who did not, she wrote and connected with them all. She became a boxing publicist, then a boxing coach, and then boxing manager, all without ever factoring in the hot-bed subject of gender discrimination. “I don’t think I ever thought about breaking barriers when I started in this business. But as my fighters started getting more successful and I started getting more attention, I realized that I was doing something meaningful and unprecedented. I have never looked at life as male versus female or any stereotypes for that matter, because no matter what venture you are pursuing, it is not about you, it is about the people that you work with and you proving (whether male or female) that you can do it, do it well, if not better than those already in the business.” Given her stellar record as one of the most successful boxing coaches and managers of all time, it is obvious that “luck” was never a factor in her ability


to develop champions inside the ring. Perhaps among her long list of successful boxers, James ‘Lights Out’ Toney best illustrates how Jackie is able to spot that diamond in the rough and make them the champion they deserve to be.

Today, Jackie is a much sought-after motivational speaker sharing personal insights at various speaking engagements such as ‘The Lecture Series … Expand your World – Being Fearless with Jackie Kallen’ and, as a guest on many podcast shows such as ‘Forging your Own Path on the Behavioral Karma Podcast’. She is also a Private Life Coach ~ where select clients can book one on one coaching with Jackie Kallen. She is also a loving mother, Grandmother, and World Renowned Businesswoman who in 2019 added her name to research in the field of brain science with the company MindMaps LLC. When boxer Patrick Day died after a boxing match, I started thinking about boxing and brain injury. It made me start searching for something to detect if a fighter had a pre-existing condition. I was lucky enough to come across this testing system that is quick, non-invasive, and gives an immediate read/ out of a person’s brain activity and performance level. I formed a company and I am now setting up testing at various gyms and other locations.

Jackie Kallen with James “Lights Out” Toney.

The first time I saw James Toney was at the gym and I could see that deep within him he wanted to be the best because he was fierce in his determination to be a champion. He had a short fuse but that was because he was a perfectionist and he had the passion to want to improve himself each day. From then on I immediately learned that a future champion has to have three ingredients. First, they must have a natural, innate ability - You’re born with that talent. Secondly, you must have perfect training habits and live a clean, healthy, disciplined lifestyle. Partying, drugs, and running the streets will destroy any natural ability that a boxer has. Thirdly, I look for “heart” - Does the boxer have a fearless, “losing is not an option” attitude? When I find all three, I know that person has what it takes. The title “Champion” is now synonymous with the name Jackie Kallen inside and outside of the boxing ring. She has a led a life so far, that epitomizes the American Ideal, one in which she proudly proclaims that “throughout my life I have aimed to establish a legacy of class and kindness and to never cheat my way to where I want to go. I give my all to anything I do, and I have never been sued, and I hope people can learn from the path I have taken in life.”

Jackie Kallen with James “Lights Out” Toney.

Jackie Kallen’s story so far is truly inspirational and the principles she has set forth are fundamental for future generations to hear and understand because they will stand the test of time. Essentially the principles that have guided this American legend stem from what can be found deep within us, something that is uniquely what makes us special - our mindset, our creativity and our talents - and when you put them all together not only will you benefit, but so too will those around you. Throughout her life Jackie has never sought any role or venture with a selfish motive - aside from the desire to learn and understand more thoroughly a particular avenue

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she was pursuing. The secondary impact has translated into many stereotypes and barriers being shattered and a personal legacy that is truly what many hope for - American Greatness. Asked what song best represents her life story? And with that magnetic smile and vibrancy in her youthful eyes she said “I think a mixture of ‘Hit Me With Your Best Shot’ and ‘I Did It My Way’, and indeed, Jackie Kallen so far, has broken glass ceilings, opened doors, and polished diamonds in the rough Her Way.

Jackie Kallen with Frank Sinatra ~ Famous for singing “My Way”.

To see more of Jackie Kallen please visit the following sites: Jackie Kallen | World Class Speakers & Entertainers (wcspeakers.com) Jackie Kallen - IMDb Jackie Kallen | Facebook Jackie Kaplan Kallen (@jackie.kallen) • Instagram photos and videos MindMaps, LLC www.mindmapsllc.com * Jackie Kallen was fundamental in establishing the “pregnancy rule” – a pregnancy test taken by female boxers before a bout aimed at protecting the life of an unborn fetus.

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We caught up with...

Corey Feldman Celebrated Actor, Producer and Recording Superstar 26


Interview by Eileen Shapiro Corey Feldman “Celebrates Nu-Mix of “Feeling Funky”, Hope for the Homeless, The Summer of Love” and an NFT Extravaganza” Celebrated actor, producer and recording superstar Corey Feldman has joyously released the nu-mix of “Feeling Funky” via CosmicWire/Blazar for his 5.0 Birthday jubilation..... Although many recognize Feldman for his movies including: “Stand By Me”, “The Goonies”, The Lost Boys”, “License to Drive”, “Dream a Little Dream”, and television appearances on hit shows like “The Bad News Bears”, “How to Eat Like a Child”, “Cheers”, “The Two Coreys”, and an endless barrage of both, Corey has been recording music for over 30 years. Corey’s music is a colorful texture of electro pop and fire-works, a culmination of over 30 years of doing music that is exciting enough to thrill the collective effervescence and make them stand up and cheer. While being conceptual, meaningful, and captivating, it’s also fun, orgasmic, and convincing. I spoke to Corey about “how it all began”, his plans for “The Summer of Love”, and his digital art and memorabilia and brand new NFT store, via Cosmic Wire, a holistic media empire and record label masterminded by Jerad Finck, also known as Blazar. Corey Feldman is most definitely the man with Kaleidoscope eyes who is looking to make the planet a better place..... Cosmic Wire “specializes in protecting and monetizing the world’s most valuable IP, traversing the now tril lion-dollar blockchain industry since its 300% market increase from 2019-2020. Understanding the potential of NFTs to enable artists to sell and own their work directly, Cosmic Wire is focused on fair agreements, direct rewards, and downstream residuals and payments via their proprietary Licensing and Publishing model.”

“The Summer of Love Celebration” and we are celebrating 50 years of entertainment both in film and music. So, for the music side we just wanted to get together all of the musicians that have all appeared on my albums throughout the years, because I have been very fortunate to have worked with this great list of amazing artists. We are trying to get everybody together on one stage for one night, kind of like Ringo does. We bring them all up and let them do one of their own songs and then we would perform the song we recorded together, and if we do it in a big venue we can raise a ton of money and make everyone bring a can of food, maybe a blanket or something, and give as much money to the homeless as possible. So that’s the big picture concept. So, Happy Birthday and congratulations on the release of your remix “Feeling Funky.” Ah...the remix.... Honestly, I of course knew you as an actor, but it wasn’t until recently that I found out you were also a sensational recording artist... Really, that’s crazy...well it’s been a slow burn. I became an overnight rock star after 30 years. It’s definitely a unique story. Nobody else could ever say that they waited until they turn 50 to get their first record deal. Literally, that’s pretty much what it is as I have done the music by myself, I published music by myself, created my own record label, and pushed all of these records out. We achieved our first top 40 billboard hit, and then our first Top 20 hit all with my own independent label. Then, Jerad Finck comes along and says, “do you want some help?”

As well as being an actor, recording artist and producer, you are also an advocate most recently regarding homeless children? It’s really bad. Homelessness is at an all-time high, there are encampments everywhere. You can’t just walk down the street because you have to go around homeless encampments....it’s unreal. It’s been this way since Trump became President and God-willing we will get out the other side. We’re trying to do something to make a difference. We’re trying to plan a benefit concert for homeless children to raise money for food and shelter and all of that kind of stuff-. That’s one of our big plans we have for the future which is in the works for later this year. Basically were calling it

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Well...there’s an idea. So, it’s invigorating and refreshing to have a team of people help me. The plans laid out before Jerad came along to put it in this box set and to do a new album and we’d already done the lion’s share of the work. It’s such a massive project because we started with taking my old 2-inch master tapes from 1993 which were the original album, and basically cleaning up the old tape. It’s quite a process to try and clean 30-year old tapes, inch by inch and chemically treat them, doing all that stuff before we could even burn them and then you had to burn them in the oven. You have to bake them and get all of the magnets to connect and then you get one shot to run them through a digital transfer. So, all of that was actually done by Don Dokken of all people. That was kind of a crazy story in itself. I don’t know if you are aware of who he is, but Don Dokken is a legendary rock star of the 80s. When I was a kid and going to school all of the kids had bumper stickers on their cars that said “Rockin with Dokken.” So he’s a rock ‘n’ roll legacy kind of guy who is kind of like a heavy metal, Rock Star dude and he and I became friends. I told him that I had all these tapes and I didn’t know what to do with them and he said “man you bake them in the oven before it’s too late, but it’s a very expensive and timely process.” So that’s where it all

started. Once we started digging into the tapes what we found was that there was all this other material that had never been released. Once we started down that road, I started reaching out to all the other contacts to see if they happen to have saved any of the old recordings we did. Through it all we manage to accumulate 50 songs. Wow...That’s a lot. It was quite a collection. Basically, it’s broken down into several discs and one is the original album which only had nine songs. It was a very small album as my first album, and it was loosely thrown together and it wasn’t really well thought out. It was kind of whatever I had available and ready to go when I got an offer from a friend of mine who was a film producer and was going to start his own label. So, the original album “Love Left” was only 1000 copies. When we made those thousand copies back in 1993, I was actually handing them out to people do use as coasters, just to get people to even listen. In the beginning it was a very hard sell but then we did a first tour and the tours were sold out. We did great whenever we did live shows. That was the easy part. But without a record label you can’t get your stuff in the stores, you can’t get your stuff heard on the radio and you can’t get to the charts and you can’t get any of the perks. So it’s very difficult, but I thought “look I’m going to find a way because all that matters to me is making music. “It doesn’t matter what the results are because I’m not in it to make a ton of money and I’m not in it to be a successful business entrepreneur. I’m in it because I love creating music and I love the art form. So I continued with it spending my own money for 30 years and after that first album which was a tremendous flop, other than the fact that it had a couple of songs in the movie soundtracks..... Going back to the beginning when that first album flopped I decided screw this, I’ll make my Pop music for my films and then I’ll go create art. My music is not going to get played on the radio anyway then at least I want to make something cool and artistic. So, with that I created a band which is called “Truth Movement” and the band became my side project where I could do all the artsy stuff and I would write my pop stuff for my solo career. So we put out an album with that and it created a lot of action because the reviews that came in were really good. I thought at least people were starting to listen. Then we did a tour with that and again it was pretty successful, but the key was this band was a classic rock band that was kind of in a different era because it was a 60s/70s kind of rock sound. I was releasing it in the late 90s. With that it basically became the turning point. The band was mostly influenced by Pink Floyd. It was almost a tribute to Pink Floyd, but we didn’t copy their music, it was all original music. I contacted some of the artists that played

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with Pink Floyd to see what they thought. I was lucky because they liked it and I was able to bring them on board. I was very fortunate to get Jon Carin who produces and co-writes for Pink Floyd and has been with them for 30 years. He came in and co-wrote and produced several of the songs on the next album. Then we got Scott Page who was their long-time saxophone player. So, Scott and I teamed up about 15 years ago and he started playing shows with “Truth Movement” and then we got artist Storm Thorgerson who did all that classic artwork for Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Genesis to do our art. He actually did all our concept art for our last album and which ended up to be the last concept album he ever did. That was first of all a huge honor because he was a legend and he was dying of cancer, but I didn’t know it. He put out his final book of art and included this whole section about “Truth Movement” and how he met me and how the whole thing came about. So, for my next solo album it was a lot easier for people to jump on board. So, you are a successful actor with a huge career. What spawned your desire to become a rock star? A lot of people don’t realize this but, I started out singing. I started as a singer. People have to think about this logically for a minute....I was three years old and how does a three year old get jobs? They can’t read so they can’t memorize lines. They can’t do the very best delivery of the script because they can’t even read the script. So therefore, the only lines that a child ever does is when their parents literally read it back to them and tell them what to say. The kids aren’t really memorizing this, their parents are reading it back to them. So, when you’re doing auditions you just want to come in and charm the casting people. It was my mother and father who decided that I would get the most jobs if I came in and sang these cute little songs a cappella. My father was a musician and many times has been mistakenly confused with another guy with the same name. There is a guy named Bob Feldman who wrote or co-wrote the song “I Want Candy” who is also in another classic rock band from that era….But my father was in the “Strawberry Alarm Clock” for a brief period of time. My father was a lead singer and bass player of his own band which was a cover band and he performed at all the amusement parks. I would go down and watch him and I would be in the rehearsal rooms when I was like three and four years old crawling around the drum kit with the other kids of the musicians in the band. I was around that all of my life. Then, my sister who is seven years old, which would’ve made me four years old got a part on the Mickey Mouse Club as one of the Mouseketeers. She was now singing and dancing on stage and doing these big performances. So, when you’re looking at your sister performing live on stage with thousands of people screaming and you’re watching your dad on stage with thousands of screaming fans

I think there is an inevitability that kind of just comes along with it. It’s like OK you’re next. So, the music thing started very early on and one of my first real jobs aside from commercials was actually an after school special with Dick Van Dyke. It was a musical called “How to Eat Like A Child.” It was Dick Van Dyke and a bunch of kids and we all had to be triple threats. We had to be able to sing, dance, and act. So that was literally one of my very first jobs. People don’t realize that I got my initial auditions by singing and one of my first jobs was a musical, and again being around the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle I think it was only a matter of time until I started actually pursuing it. With that said my mom tried to put me in singing lessons, tap lessons, piano lessons, and I hated it. I didn’t want any part of it. She always told me I was uncoordinated. I couldn’t play sports, so that was it I was done. The interesting thing is that I never got away from the music. My grandmother had a standard piano and I would play it even though I didn’t know what I was playing but I was always making noise. Then at 11 years old I discovered Michael Jackson watching the “Motown 25 Special.” Whatever it was sparked something inside of me, the elegance of the performance, the composition of the way he moved on stage, whatever it was it inspired and transfixed me and had such a profound effect that from that moment on all I could see was myself on stage performing, and singing and dancing. I literally started to copy his moves in the mirror and thinking that I could sing and dance like that because this was easy. The kids in the playground were watching me and saying hey dude you were really good. Then I would start going to Hollywood parties and they would put on “Billie Jean”, and there were adults all circled around me and they would make me dance. They were all clapping and watching me

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dance like a little monkey. That kind of developed into here I am now at 12 years old at the Rose Bowl doing a charity benefit concert where they brought me out in front of 40,000 people to lip-synch “Billie Jean.” At that point I thought obviously I was meant to do this, but I didn’t think I could make a career out of lip-synching somebody else’s music. Therefore I decided that I was going to have to teach myself how to write and I would have to teach myself how to sing properly and how to dance properly and from that moment on I literally spent probably 10 hours a day, everyday. There was an imaginary stage at my dad’s apartment, and I would practice doing fake concerts to nobody.

I was writing material, performing and putting on entire stage productions with nobody watching, but with me imagining a whole audience they are cheering and screaming. I did a lot of that. A lot of imagination. Even doing things like karaoke recordings, there was a place in Westwood where all the little kids would go because it was so innovative. They would do little cassette recordings of people doing karaoke. I would go down there with Corey Haim or Ricky Schroeder or whoever my little friends were at the time. All of us would go down to these little recording booths and record demos. I would take all those demos home and then I would play them for my father and asked him what sounded OK, and what works for my voice and and what didn’t. Eventually I found one that he thought was pretty cool. Then I had a direction. I literally just thought about myself that way. So anyway, it’s always a fun time, I love music, I love creating it so for this project I decided that when we started I would do the remix and the remaster of the 25th anniversary of my first album because now people know those songs. We have been performing them live for 25 years, so let’s go back and do a remix and a remaster like so many people do. The concept was that maybe we would put two or three new songs on there to make it enticing for people. So, we started with that and kept growing and now we’re up to like 13 or 14 songs, so now we have a whole new album. We decided to throw the album into the box set. Then we have all these unreleased album songs so let’s make that another disc. So now we’re up to four discs in this box set and two DVDs because he started digging through some of the video stuff. Then we have this song that I recorded and produced and did a video of when I was 15 years old. The song is called “Runaway” and we were going to sell it to Nickelodeon. I was projecting some self awareness that I wasn’t even aware of. It was subliminally pretty shocking because it was a 15-year-old kid writing a song called “Runaway” well he’s forecasting “if I don’t get my life together I’m going to end up on the street doing drugs and being used for sex.” At the time I was living in my dad’s apartment, I was wearing all black and I was already surrounded by these pedophiles that were eventually going to use and abuse me and take advantage of me and destroy my life by giving me drugs. So, it was all right there, and I put it all into the script. And we shot the short film and ironically, I even use the two guys that ended up abusing me as the bad guys in the video. That’s a little crazy. I made this 15 minute video and we were going to sell it to Nickelodeon but I never edited any of the acting scenes so we have a 3 1/2 minute video but it’s only the music part and all the scripted part that came before is gone. So unfortunately nobody will ever see that but what we did find is the original video and the original song which nobody has ever heard and

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they will both be in the box set along with other recordings like Alfonzo Rivero and I did the demo of one of my first songs, which ended up in the movie of the week called “15 and Getting Straight.” That was probably the second song I ever wrote, and it ended up on an ABC TV special. Then Alfonzo and I recorded a demo which is really great, but I never released it after making this song several times through the years, and it became one of my most popular songs. It’s a beautiful song about making a difference in the world by people giving a crap about something other than themselves. Then we have a lot of performances that I did back in 1989 from a college I played in Idaho where the kids were screaming like Beatlemania. The crazy thing is the fans of my music a lot of them love “Go For It” or they love “You are Free”, but they don’t know that I’ve been around doing this for 30 years. They know that I am an artist now, but they have no idea of how it all started. Totally. That’s so crazy don’t you think? So, if I don’t remind them who I am, I guess nobody well. So, I guess I have to kind of educate them again of the whole history. So that’s what it’s about. It’s about excavating and digging through all of this really cool stuff and getting it out of the darkness and bringing it into the light. Telling people hey guess what, i’ve been making music for over 30 years, and it’s been out there for over 30 years. It didn’t just start out of nowhere and it seems to be very popular, we just never made the top 40. So, I think it will be very exciting for fans to see that this guy is actually doing this for a really long time, and that he takes it very seriously. Now how did you discover NFTs and what are you planning on doing with them and your collection? Here’s the best part..... while going this excavation of the vaults, finding all these videos that people have never seen, rarities, let’s get it out to the public and turn it into art and give it to them.....So while we are digging for all of this.... Questions were raised, what about all this memorabilia? What about these experiences that I had with the greatest artist in the world? And I happen to be a collector. So, I collected all of the stuff from the experiences I had with the guys from Pink Floyd, my experiences with The Beatles, my experiences with Michael Jackson....so much cool stuff. I thought maybe I need like a big auction. I thought maybe I could do a big auction for my 50th birthday? Or I thought maybe I can give it back to the world so they can enjoy it? Or maybe we could raise some money for charity with it? So that was the concept of it. Then Jerad came into my life through Scott Page. The funny thing is when Jerad and I originally met, the meeting was about NFTs because he wanted to explain to me what an NFT actually was.

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Then during our meeting Scott informed him that I also do music. I played him some stuff and he really liked it and wanted to know why more wasn’t happening with it. I explained that I never had a record label behind me so I did it all on my own. Then before you knew it literally, and I’m not even joking, for two or three days straight Jerad was locked in my studio as he’s building Cosmic Wire during the launch of all this crazy stuff. He was dealing with all of these people while he was locked in my studio for three days

listening to nothing but every song I recorded. He said if I let him in, he could help me bring my songs to the full realization of where I want them to be. And then we can help market it and do things that you’ve never done as a music artist. I told him that I had never had a label in my life and I wasn’t sure how it worked and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to relinquish all that control, because the second you sign with the label you don’t get to do what you want to do. He explained that Cosmic Wire was totally the opposite. It was more of a holistic approach and you are in charge of your own destiny. We will advise you and tell you what we think is best but it’s ultimately your decision. I thought, that’s different I never heard of a label like that before. We hit it off and through that he explained that Cosmic Wire could deal with all of my stuff and memorabilia. He explained that they could take my stuff and digitize it and turn it into its own unique art form that I would be the licenser of. So that is how we got the idea of building my NFT store through Cosmic Wire, doing stuff that nobody’s ever done before. I would be allowing people the opportunity to share this lifetime of experiences with me because up until now you would literally have to come to my house to see any of this stuff. It would be like going to a museum. You’d have to come and visit. But for the first time I’m going to digitize all of these items and put them up as NFTs. Some of them we will actually be selling the actual item and some we won’t be selling the item but we will make an NFT digital version of it so that people can download and purchase. All I can tell you that because it’s “The Summer of a Love” and because we’re doing this kind of anthology of my film and music career separately we’re going to do two big events. There is going to be an interactive showcase or gallery of NFTs and we’re going to do it from this venue and spend the whole day going through a retrospective of my career. We’re going to go through each of the high points of my career starting with “Bad News Bears”, The TV show I did when I was seven and then “Fox and Hound”, and then “Gremlins” and “Goonies”, and “Stand By Me”, and “Dream A Little Dream”, “The Lost Boys” and “Burbs.” Those are the ones we’re going to concentrate on now. We’re going to show film clips, we’re going to do giveaways, we’re going to sell NFTs, correlated around each particular film. With each of those is going to be secret little things hidden within the NFTs. So, it’s all gonna be really cool and fun to come along for this adventure...... Head over to Corey Feldman’s official website for more updates: https://coreyfeldman.net

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REDDROXX 10 Bad B*tch Commandments Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got to where you are today? Well my name is ReddRoxx and I’m a mother, radio personality, brand manager, author, event host and speaker. I started my journey as an intern while pursuing my Communications & Media Arts Degree. I’ve now been in radio for about 10 years. As far as writing goes, I’ve always loved it. It wrote my first book which is an urban fiction novel called “Lover’s & Friends” some years back and have written for many major publications since. How did this book come together? Well, at the height of the pandemic I found myself kind of lost. I had a great outer image, but I felt like the inner workings of my life didn’t match that. So I began to work on all the things I felt made a REAL bad b*tch and thought it would be great to help other women who want to do the same. Can you tell us the name of the book and how did you come about writing the book? My new book is called “10 Bad B*tch Commandments” it’s sort of like an auto-biography because I talk about my own various life experiences but mainly it’s a workbook. There’s

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activities that focus on Motherhood, Mental Health, Self-Love, Finances, Education etc. and it’s not to tell you how to master these things but instead help you work towards goals to better yourself in those areas. I was in the process of bettering myself and thought to put it into context so other women can do the same. So you’re an entrepreneur? What type of business are you into? I am! ReddRoxx LLC covers my ventures as a writer, event host, interviewer, speaker etc. Pretty much all of my entertainment dealings. I also have a cosmetics line, BR Cosmetics that I launched in 2014 that I was in the process of revamping before the pandemic hit. Fortunately I’ve been able to get it back on track and we’ll be re-launching by the end of this year. Do you model? I don’t! Not formally or officially anyways... lol I’ve done some work, but it’s not really what I do lol. We see you wear more than one hat. How did you come about being able to juggle all those jobs? Honestly I don’t even think about it, I just do it (like Nike lol) I driven by my passion and the need to always to learn and do more. What was one of the challenging parts of this project? Being completely transparent and the fear of being judged. Firstly, I didn’t want people to get it confused with me telling one how to be a bad b*tch rather than, this is what a bad b*tch is to me and I’m working on being one too! Secondly, I’ve gone through a lot of things that many people don’t know about, but I knew I had to go deep and get personal on this one, in order to bar able to help someone else. What kind of reactions have you been receiving from readers? Nothing but LOVE! It makes me so happy when women inbox me or post publicly that they love the book and that it’ s helping them to kick-start their journey to being a better woman overall. That was my goal, so it’s amazing to know that I’ve accomplished that and that I’m helping someone. You’ve gone out of your way to help people in domestic violence situations. Why do you do so? Well, I’m a survivor myself. It took a long time for me to leave a very unhealthy situation and I almost lost my life because of it. I was ashamed about it, made to feel guilty for it and so I endured years of pain internally, even after the relationship ended. I want someone in that type of situation to know that they’re not alone and that they can make it out too. What kind of advice do you give people? How about yourself? Live life to the fullest. It sounds cliche but it’s really what you have to do! I do what feels good and what

makes me happy, within reason. Meaning I’m not going to do something that I know will intentionally hurt someone just because it makes me happy. Life is a give and take…but try to give more than you take. Radio Personality ReddRoxx Releases New Book That Is Empowering Women And Helping to Unleash Their Inner Baddies.

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KENDAL MURRAY Next Level When did you first get involved in film industry? I’ve been involved in television and film since I was about 8. My first television experience was on NBC’s Parenthood. I spent a couple of seasons as one of Max’s classmates. I started in theatre at the age of 4, with the Missoula Children’s Theatre. Who or What inspired you to pursue a career as an actor? My mother has always encouraged me to pursue what I have a passion for, and I have a passion for the arts. I’ve also had a number of great mentors along the way who encouraged me to pursue this career path. What have been your biggest achievements in Film, TV, Voiceover, and/or Theater? Frankly, I think every achievement is noteworthy. This is a tough business and to hang in there and do it on a professional scale is “big.” A lot of people still remember me from Nickelodeon’s Sam and Cat, while others remember me from Hairspray

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as Seaweed. I brought some flair to both roles. I also think graduating from the New York Film Academy is a noteworthy achievement in my career because it has been a key to open many doors. How has your acting evolved since you first became involved in the film industry? I’ve evolved from the cute kid next door type to being able to portray other sorts of characters who are more fully developed in their hero’s journey. I’ve also evolved from a kid just having fun to an adult actor who understands this is a business, so you have to embrace THAT and still be able to have fun. 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 emotion that most drives me is joy. Working on a set gives me joy. My soul is at its best when I am on a set. I also love the joy I can help bring to the lives of people who watch my performances.


Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas? Let’s face it. No one is truly unique in this business. It comes down to this: “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.” What has been your biggest challenge as an actor? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how? My biggest challenge as an actor is the uncertainty. Will you be selected in an audition? What happens when this tv show is over? etc etc I have overcome that by not being afraid to make my own work. I have an undergraduate degree in Entertainment Business and a Master degree in Media Design. I use my skills in these areas to collaborate with others in a meaningful way so that we may monetize our skillsets while doing what we love. 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? Suffer? No way. Do your homework and work hard? Absolutely. Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.

about with one of the ma jor networks, but that’s all I can say about that. I’m also looking forward to a feature film with a longstanding favorite actor, and that’s all I can say about that. I am, however, set to film a feature that I will both act and co-executive produce in Florida. I portray an attorney and I’ll just leave it at I’m looking for a killer and some comedy ensues. It’s called Mendacity. What’s next for you? Please explain. Further exploration of this career field is next for me. What I mean by that is: continued acting and working to improve and develop my craft. In addition to acting, I plan to do some producing. I will also continue to run KMP Entertainment and assist new talent with access to opportunities through our education, mentorship and collaboration opportunities. How can fans-to-be follow your career? Fans can find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063700180328 but I’m most active on the KMP Entertainment Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/KMPEntertainment or visit the KMP Entertainment website and there are links to my projects, IMDb, etc. https:// www.kmpentertainment.org/Meet-Kendal-Murray.php

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the film business? The internet has absolutely impacted the film business in a number of drastic ways. Distribution, for example, has been greatly impacted. Virtually anyone with a camera can get their work in front of an audience now. Revenue models have changed. Simultaneous release is a direct result of the internet. Bottom line, though, is access to opportunity has been greatly impacted by the internet. The way we network in this business has been impacted and changed forever by the internet. Meaning, a career in film is much more accessible than it used to be. Want an agent? Google it. Want to enter a film festival? Google it. Want to know what it takes to make it in this business, simply search the internet. If you could change anything about the film industry, what would it be? For indie film, I’d encourage more pathways that allow people to realize this is a professional, multi-trillion dollar industry and must be treated as such if you truly want to make a living at this thing called Entertainment. I actually co-operate a professional development academy where we teach coach and mentor creatives. For ma jor markets, I’d develop my pathways for creatives who might be interested in storytelling beyond the traditional TV or movie options. What projects are you currently working on... that you can talk about? I just wrapped something that I’m pretty excited

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KAT REN @katmaeren

Patrick Baldonado @patrickbaldonadophotography Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico


JOJO PICASSO Reaching for the Horizon What inspired you to pursue a career in music? Theirs a lot of various answers and I guess the way I felt listening to it made me want to learn how to create it from pop to R&B to Rock to rap it made you feel something and i wanted others to feel something from 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? The energy I bring is spontaneous I pride myself on being able to do just about everything and still be authentic.

Describe your style of music. Eclectic it’s a balance of multiple vibes at once i feel like music is whatever you’re feeling at the moment

What has been your biggest challenge as a performing artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how? Having the necessary funds to push your brand how you need to managing your artistic ideas at a independent level.

How has your music evolved since you first started in the music industry? I figured out my style and what elements do i bring to music and how my cadence or melodies can add to a masterpiece. 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? It gives off a vulnerable feeling that someone may be feeling the same way I do but doesn’t have the song to describe the way they feel.

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? Yeah, you must be in vulnerable place to make some of your best music. How do you feel the internet has impacted the music business? You can distribute and push and post your own art which can possibly cut out the middle man and with

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the NFTs probably being the next wave it should get interesting. If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be? The fact they a lot of people treat you a certain way based off who you know instead of the integrity and talent of an individual. What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today? And why? Chris Brown (album) Usher - Confessions Michael Jackson - Thriller Queen - News of the World Isaia Huron - I’ll write the lyrics later They all have components in them that was different for their time period and it gave a feel like nun other and you can literally listen to most of these all the way through. How has COVID affected you and your music career? Yes & No couldn’t do paid shows but i learned how to engineer myself then start engineering other people and made a lot of unexpected money from that and i also have the creative outlet and sit and crest when i want to cuz i have my own out of house studio. How can fans-to-be gain access to your music and follow your career? On all streaming platforms and all social media sites under: Jojo Picasso or @iamjojopicasso

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BEYOND THE GREY Thoughtful Hard Rock What first got you into music? My parents were huge music lovers and I grew up listening to everything from Kenny Rogers and the OakRidge Boys to The Commodores, The Doobie Brothers, The Doors, Kiss, Zeppelin and Priest. Music has always been more of a soundtrack to my life than just something I listen to. I can feel it. Who inspired you to make music? I think my biggest influence in making music was Robert Smith of The Cure. I’m a very emotional person and although I don’t write or sound like him I think listening to the way he wrote about life gave me a freedom to tell my story and not be ashamed of it. How would you describe the music that you typically create? Thoughtful Hard Rock. How did you come up with the name of the band? It really boils down to this...we as a band are typically the old guys on a ticket and we all have gray in our hair...but...we also know that regardless of our age or our hair color we can still bring it. There is life yet to be lived Beyond The Grey.

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Name all the band members and the instrument they play? David Lingenfelter Vocals Jim Mcneill Bass John Alexander Guitar Scott David Cameron Guitar Eric Nissen Drums What is your creative process like? Honestly it varies. Sometimes we write stuff on the fly at rehearsal and sometimes I’ll work on a song with Jim, John or Scott outside of rehearsal and then we’ll take it down for everyone to start working on once we kinda get the bones of the song. Who would you most like to collaborate with? Robert Smith of The Cure or Johnny Cash if he was still with us. If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be? As a band I’m not sure we would all agree on just one. You might hear Slayer, SevenDust, Cheap Trick, The Cure or Pink Floyd depending on who you ask and what day you ask them. What is one message you would give to your fans? Do not let your past dictate who you want to be. What is the most useless talent you have? I can play an amazing air guitar! Do you sing in the shower? What songs? Yes and whatever I last listened to. What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career? Probably waiting tables...which I actually do enjoy. Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? I think our favorite place so far has been the VooDoo Lounge in Kansas City.

Do you have any upcoming shows? We have a few things in the works. Our web site and Facebook pages will up-date as soon as they are locked in. How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business? Hmmmmm...it’s kind of a mixed bag answer. It has for sure opened the door for all of the independent bands to put our stuff out there and have people from all over the world check out your stuff... but in my opinion it has oversaturated the market and made it a lot harder to break through for more than 5 minutes before the next single drops by a thousand other artists and all you worked on gets pushed aside. It is also harder to get people to purchase an entire album or even a single for that matter when you can simply stream everything for free. Spotify for instance...great platform to be able to post your music...but we all know the musicians get next to nothing for spins. All in all...it’s a toss up which I’m sure depends based on what you are trying to do as a musician. What is your favorite song to perform? Probably a split between Now or Never and When The Castle Falls. Which famous musicians do you admire? Freddie Mercury. One of the greatest voices and showman of all times. What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into? I was arrested for having a knife concealed in my car...never mind the fact that it was in the bottom of a box which i was in the middle of moving from one apartment to another and I didn’t even know it was there lol. What is the best advice you’ve been given? Live honestly. If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be? The money brought in by streaming companies would actually go to the musicians What’s next for you? We are just going to keep writing/recording and playing out as much as possible!

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BADGYALSHISHI Changing the Game Tell us about your background and how did you get started in reggae music? My background was rough. Raised myself on the mean streets of Milwaukee n Chicago. Although, I am of Moroccan decent. Reggae music is my first love…. its so very natural for me to sing it, has always been inside me. It’s blossomed in the proper environment. I do Trap Reggae which is a fusion of Hip Hop/NeoSoul/R&B/Blues/Reggae. Tell me about your song, “High”? High is all about vibrations n conscious energy. High can b translated too. Becoming 1 with the frequency n one with the music. Not to hear it, but feel it. Did you write the song? Yes, I did. What was your inspiration to write the song? My inspiration was allowing the music to give euphoric feelings n unite the people thru music. What is the best compliment you have received about your album, “High”? That they love the song n it actually gave them a natural high.

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What is the reggae scene like in your hometown? It’s very small n that’s y I’m not there. What was the first Reggae song you ever heard? Murder She Wrote Who and what are your influences? The world is my influence and everyone in it… and at the same time, I’m very guarded n not easily influenced. I’m proud of that. U can only change me for the better! What style of Reggae is played often? Probably Dancehall, because of the beats. What style do the ma jority of fans seem to prefer? Seems like they prefer what they can feel n relate to. My Shi-lytez are complex n prefer different tings at different times. Was the fact that Reggae is English and Patois a barrier? No, that’s what makes it more interesting, the fact that we can communicate in this way is sexy n more. Who is your favorite Reggae Artist? Oohhh…. I have so many, but probably Buju Banton & Spice. Where do you think Reggae will be in 10 years time? And in Your country? Leading the hearts and minds of the world. We need peace of mind. To the leaders that be, especially in this country, please leave the people alone with there own thought, we don’t want to die in a war you create for us in our minds. Reggae teaches love n peace and awareness. In some countries you might see people wearing a Jamaican-style hats with fake dreadlocks attached when they attend reggae concerts and other events. Do you see anything that you see in your country? Yes, I have seen those, I think it’s funny. Imitation can be seen as flattery as long as it is tasteful. Have you ever been to Jamaica? Yes, to record music in Kingston at Big Ship Records. I stayed in Ocho Rios Unity Parrish. It was amazingly breathtaking. Do you have many/any Jamaican people in your family? Yes, we r all family. If you were stuck on a deserted island and given the choice of 2 albums to put on your playlist, which artists would you choose? Lauryn Hill and Jay Cole.

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