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Saturday, July 31, 2010

Through the Photographers Lens



“You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore”
- Christopher Columbus



With beauty, brains and a voice to make you breathless, Alexandra Alexis has graced stages in Europe, Asia and America and this sexy siren doesn’t have any plans to stop now. WhyBlueMatters was lucky enough to catch her in New York for a one on one conversation about her new project “May Cause Shortness of Breath” and touring in Europe.




Tell me a little of about some of the projects that are working on?

We’ll basically we’re trying to wrap up the album called” May Cause Shortness of Breath.” It is an electro pop album. It’s kind of a new genre for me, I’ve always liked pop music and I know people always say that they’ve always wanted to try something new but very honestly, I really wanted to try something new. So we set out to find producers that reflected the type of sound that I liked. We found a couple of really amazing guys, like this guy Nicholas Wright who, had done work for Jordan Sparxx and he’s done you name it in the commercial world. He’s British and has a funky little flair that is great and this KANYE WEST type sound that is really good. I also work with this guy, KENNY LLOYD, who is also great and he’s done things with Alicia keys. So the whole dance/electronic thing came together when I started working with those guys. I started working with them about eight months ago, and we are knocking out some really great songs and we are about two songs away from completing the album and we’re already releasing the first single. It’s been a really good time.

I’ve been traveling a lot and promoting the project. I was just in China for two weeks, I’ll be in Thailand for a few weeks, then I'm going to Finland and then it’s off to Helsinki. We’re trying to promote as much as possible and keep in mind that I have a strong following at home [Finland] that I want to keep strong because they are the ones that kind of pushed me to where I am now. And that’s really important to me as well.

You’ve always been heavy on the international scene, am I correct?

For sure, that’s really how I started. I did “Hair Spray” in Europe for about 2 years, and I was meeting a ton of people and that opened a lot of doors. I didn’t expect to be doing a musical but I knew a bunch of people that were already involved in the production and recommended me so the producers gave me a call and I came out and auditioned. This came at a point where I was just starting to figure out who I was as an artist and now I had this opportunity to do a musical and I was glad for the opportunity because it taught me so much. There’s so much you don’t know when you do a big musical like that. Like you’re combining dancing and singing and stage presence and so many other elements. There are no brakes and there are no cuts and you’re on stage for 2 ½ hours and you’re just on it for the whole time. So there’s training process with learning all of these dances, though I'm not a natural dancer, I had to learn. So it was this incredible college experience for me, and I learned so much that has really helped me during the musical was great and I'm really glad for the experience.

I traveled a lot and met a lot of nice people everywhere like bookers and promoters and DJs that started booking me to perform. So after doing the show I would do a quick change and run out to the club and start performing one of the singles I was working on. And I kept track of all those people, so when I moved back to New York and I was off tour those same people would call and say hey let’s keep performing and booking shows and that really help me build a presence in Europe. For example in Finland, I'm half F INISH I don’t know if you knew that, I have a strong fan base there and you can say my name and people know who I am. I’ve been on every major TV show and performed at every major venue so travel has been very important to my career.


You said you were half Finnish, what is the other half?

My dad’s from Guadalupe and my mom is from Finland so there’s a crazy mesh up of European, French, Caribbean and American. I’m literary like half white, half black and it’s so crazy to have all these nationalities. I actually have three passports, an American passport, a French passport and a Finnish passport.

What does music mean to you?

I think music is something that inspires people. I know that’s probably a cheesy answer but there are some days where I feel like total shit and there are just no words for it. I just don’t want to do anything or I just feel frustrated. You work so hard in this industry and there are no days off and there are no minutes off in your day. Even the other day when I was having a complete panic attack over my computer dying and losing years of work, I just came home and I put on this new song that I discovered by this band call “Florence and the Machine.” The song is called “The dog days are over,” and I found it that day just before the computer crashed and I came home and I put it on and started listening to it and as awful as I felt and as heart wrenching as it was, I was crying and it was terrible but in the span of like 2 minutes I was listening to the song and listening to lyrics and I was listening to the sound of it and I just felt so good suddenly. I thought WOW, things happen in life and it’s not that big a deal as long as you had your health and are happy things are OK. Everything else is just a bump in the road. But it’s funny how I spoke to all my friends and that didn’t help but I put on one song and I felt great! And it’s weird how music can do that and how it’s so incredibly tied in with emotion and how you can listen to certain songs when you travel or when you’re breaking up or with your friends when you’re hanging out. It’s kinda like I can put on a song and remember an incredible birthday that I shared with my friends and that’s what’s really great about music. Being able to bring you back to the moment.

That was definitely the musical universe aligning itself for you that on that day because there’s no way you should have found a song like that right before your computer died. There’s just no other reason for you to have found that song right before your laptop went belly up like that.

Absolutely! I am a huge believer in the universe. I believe that things aren’t random and everything you put out there you get back. That’s kinda one of those things that I would do, go back to at the end of the day and try to go into my head and try to understand why things happen for you and why things don’t happen for you. It’s also, constantly being aware of where you are in life, space and in time. Its funny how many artists don’t understand that. They think what am I doing wrong, I'm a great singer, great dancer and so talented but nobody’s helping me. And a lot of times they don’t realize that it’s all about them and that the only person stopping them is them. And until you understand that you really can’t move forward.


Over the years, you know everyone has their preconceptions of what it’s going to be like to be an artist in the arts and entertainment industry. Right up until you answer that question, how has being an artist change for you over the years? From your earliest preconceptions until today?

You grow throughout the years, and it’s all a learning process. Every year that you grow you try different things and I think when you’re starting out, for instance when I started out doing “Hair Spray” when I was 19 going on 20, and I'm 23 now, and I think about the ideas that I had for my music and my album and it’s not to say oh my God what was I thinking, because I always found great producers and great writers to work with. I don’t think I really made any bad demos, nor did I do anything that I didn’t want to do or anything that wasn’t marketable or professional enough because I'm kind of a perfectionist. But I think your style changes because you’re growing and are learning constantly new things about yourself. So that does affect your sound. But for me now I feel I have reached a point where I know what I want and I know where I'm going and I'm still growing and learning things and of course my style will probably change over the years. The more you do music the more you discover through the music because music changes and are so many things that you can do with it with new styles and whatnot. I think right now I'm at that place where I had to go through all these motions and get to now. Because now I think I'm where Alexandra should be now and this is a style that it should be. And every time I perform I'm completely ecstatic to be performing the songs I’m singing.

Who or what inspires you?

I'm so inspired by so many things. I think traveling and meeting people mostly. Most recently I was in China and staying at a guest house. A friend of mine who travels even more than I do said you have to try the whole guest house experience. It’s the authentic Chinese experience. They have them all over Asia basically, and the idea is these Asian families that have these estates have guest houses or rooms that they rent out for like $5.00 a day. And it’s a cool place for travelers to meet other travelers and to share their experiences. I went to this place that she recommended and I couldn’t believe it was only $5.00 a night. And all I could think was this place is going to be nuts and you know I never had that much fun in my life. Staying at the guest house and being picked up by these motorcycle taxis to go to these grand events in heels and dresses and just living this incredibly authentic Chinese way for once which I’ve never done. It was something that really woke me up, because I’d work so much and I rarely ever get to travel for me and I always have to travel for work and for shows and for business which I love. But it kind of brought me to this place where I thought oh my God I need to travel more from me and to see more things. And I get to travel and experience different cultures and meeting these incredible people and learning things, it’s so inspirational and it makes you want to know more about life. I'm writing music and writing lyrics and thinking about all these experiences that I have and the emotions that they cause. That’s what inspires me the most.

I know you said you write your own compositions but who else helps write your compositions or helps you produce your music?

Will I have producers that basically make all the beats like Nicholas Wright and Kenny Lloyd who are just incredible. And they make these great beats for all sorts of people and I'm glad to work with them and I have two other guys that help write the songs. Sometimes we’ll have a major session with like three or four people in a room and just break the songs down because a lot of times someone will have just a really great idea and we’ll be like OK well how do we make this more amazing? And with the songs that we don’t use will send them to the labels for other artists. So songwriting is definitely something I'm interested in. A single that I started with and it was a single that I really liked but we weren’t sure if it was really right for the album and we actually sold it to a big German artist whose album is coming out in June. So we thought you know what she really wanted it, it was really relevant for her so let’s let that one go and we’ll do something different. It’s constantly this process of making songs and seeing what sticks. And sometimes will make something that’s absolutely incredible but just not for me.

What’s next for Alexandra?

Next is an incredible push in every direction. I'm always thinking OK what can I do next. It’s like if I'm not traveling for shows, then I wake up and what do I want to do and who should I be connecting with. It’s kind of like making connections with people and befriending all my favorite DJs so they’ll play my material and booking new shows and promoting the singles and album. I constantly have to think about two markets. I wanna stay in the states and realistically here in New York but I also live in Finland and Scandinavia and I'm also thinking about Asia because those are all open doors for me as well. And it becomes a juggling system of what’ll I do now? I'm going to Finland, Berlin and Stockholm in the next two days, and then in November I’m going to Japan for Japan music week where I’m performing performing. So then automatically you think well since I'm going to be in Asia, where else can I go? Every day is scheduling and planning and walking things in and that’s what I do. Even the last time I was lucky enough to be in Helsinki I ran into “Jus Blaze” and I know him from here from events and stuff. We actually ended up becoming friends because he was there by himself and I was there by myself so we thought, let’s just hang out. So I have these fun experiences when I travel but like I said it’s constantly work and the clock never stops but I really love it. So honestly there is no concrete next step so much as there are several steps in several different directions of promotion and meeting people and all that.

The grind!

Yeah the grind!

Last question and this is the big one. Do you have a web site where our readers can find out more about you, see your calendar, listen to and download your music?

Yes! It's http://www.alexandraalexismusic.com/

· iTunes

· MySpace

· Facebook

· YouTube

Alexandra, thank you for your time and for being another reason WhyBlueMatters!!!

Thank you and God bless.

WBM Features: Jmic Da Artiz



If you don't know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else.
-Lawrence J. Peter


Not even for a moment will a focused mind get deterred from going where it needs to go.

With success as the objective there isn't anything that will stop our next feature from doing just that. His goal; make his self known in the arts & entertainment industry. The means; whatever it takes. The effort; continuous while highlighting his ability to create music and dance remarkably well. The artist, somewhat of a self-actualized prophesy as he lives, breathes, and expresses himself as Jmic Da Artiz whenever he performs. He's 19 and definitely a star in the making, coming by way of Brooklyn, NY.

With some time to share a little bit about who he is and what he's all about, Jmic had a lot of great things to say. Get to know him a little better.


[As Told To Why Blue Matters]



Who is Jmic?

Jmic: Hmmm... Jmic Da Artizz Artizz lol , Jmic is (Michael Jay Wilkerson) Of Course ,
Jmic is a Recording Artist , a Rapper, a Dancer, a Songwriter, a Poet, I don't wanna sound corny or nothing but he is your co-worker , he is your guy next door, he is just the guy you pass everyday, to foremost to abbreviate it, Jmic is a Dreamer. Haha, didn't that sound smooth how I said it like I wasn't talking about myself? lol.

Where are you from?

Jmic: I'm From Brooklyn , New York

How long have you been involved in music?

Jmic: I'm Not going to say like I been involved with it sense I can walk like everyone else, but I always wrote and books and stuff. I never really really started to take it serious until high school, my dad was a DJ who worked with the Dis Masters and Master B, so it was always around me.

Do you play any instruments?

Jmic: Ahhh Mayne, I Really Wish I could. I try to play the piano. I'm getting better I think. I got three blind mice down.

Interest(s)?

Jmic: My interests include me mostly writing and dancing. If im not doing that, then I'm playing ball. Well I never said I was good at it-- I just like to do it lol or just watching TV. Truthfully I don't watch it like i use to, so I watch TV. whenever i get the chance. My favorite shows are Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Cosby Show, Martin, Family Guy, Boondocks, Law and Order SVU, just laying back watching nickelodeon with my lil sisters and my younger brother. My favorite movies are last dragon , house party , 40year old virgin , and SuperBad.

What you like most about being an emcee?

Jmic: Ohhh yea Jmic is a emcee too. lol, I haven't heard that word in a while.
What I like Most about Being a emcee able to express yourself, and reach people in a way that really cant be explained.


What does it mean to be an artist in 2010?

Jmic: It means Evolution. It means Survival. It means History, especially with everything happening in the world. Music plays a very big part in our adolescences and our grown folks today which is shown in our media. As a artist Myself, it means for me to go harder. I'm not perfect none of us is, I'm jus saying that I'm aware that the media will make me out as a role model, and if so I will make it my duty to be that.

How is important creativity to you?

Jmic: Creativity is very important, so is originality. That's what I look to do in every line I write. If I don't think it's creativite in my work, I seriously
my intentions is to not proceed with it.

What does success mean to you?

Jmic: It means Everything. It's another chapter, a new beginning-- means that I accomplished something they said I cant do. What Jay-z says in that record "I Can't base what I'm gonna what everybody isn't." I don't know if that has to do what your question I just felt like saying that.

Has that answer changed over the years? No not now. It will though, because when I get to that point, that I may looked like I succeeded, I'm not gonna stop there, I know it's gonna be so much more work, the goals just get bigger and the accomplishments just get brighter.


What inspires and motivates you?

Jmic: My Family. They just keep me so grounded. I do it for them as well as myself. My friends just always know what to say like to make me laugh and keep me going, and my fans, they really keep me going so much they don't even know. There have been sometimes that I really felt I was losing it and really didn't know what to do. I would go online and i just read my messages in my in box and they really inspire me. I save my favorites...

Whats in your iPod?

Jmic: I listen to all kinds of music. Name an artist from any genre of music. I bet I have it. The list goes on-- I'm talking Jay-z to Barry Manilow, lol. Don't stand here and say you don't like "Mandy," thats my joint. I guess you can say I have an ear for music. I'm always using it anytime I have the chance to. Ohhhh also I have a lot of old skool hip hop and r&b in there too. You know you gotta have that and some videos of family guy.

How important has internet been to your success?

Jmic: Hmmm....so far gone it has been a very big part. I wouldn't say I'm there yet. There's just so much more work to do. Productively, it's giving me a chance to expand my horizon and to think more bigger than just my own back yard. The ability to have a chance get support from people from all around the states and even fans from Germany, Canada, and U.K. Having that support helped me as a person as well as an upcoming artist. The internet has been important to building my success, I think it's important to anyone who is trying to make it out there and take it to the next level not just music but entertainment period.

Who would you like to work with?

Jmic: I take collaborations really seriously so if you hear my CD you wouldn't hear many features, perhaps just my team R.F.G and Flight School Heroes. I would like to colab with someone who would bring out the vibe musical style and feeling and to the sound. As for the ladies, there are so many I can think of, I can see myself doing a collaboration with Ciara, Leona Lewis, FeFe Dobson , Karina Pasian, Miranda Cosgrove. For the dudes, as for right now, I'll say Chris Brown, John legend, Fabolous, Kayne West, Justin Beiber, Nick Jonas and even over seas artist bands like Phoenix, Tesla Boy, and Robyn I would like to colab with.

Current projects?

Jmic: I am currently working on a EP Mixtape titled "The Year Of The Dreamer," you will be hearing that soon. Also working on a little bit of acting reading some scripts, just looking at parts, I'm gonna keep you updated on everything on my official youtube page.

What type of impact you would you like to leave?

Jmic: If any impact, I wanna leave is when I leave they say, "Wow... Jmic is a Legend."


Any final words of advice?

Jmic: Never give up, dreams come true.






For More On Jmic Da Artiz:
http://www.myspace.com/jmicdaartiz
http://www.youtube.com/user/jMicDaArtiz
http://twitter.com/JmicDaArtiz
http://www.facebook.com/pages/edit/?id=125480620819491#!/pages/Jmic/125480620819491

Friday, July 30, 2010

Chevy By Scotty Voted #1





CHEVY" WAS VOTED #1 RAP SONG ACROSS THE COUNTRY FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE ON OURSTAGE.COM - AND IS CURRENTLY #1 IN THE VIBE MAGAZINE COMPETITION FOR THIS MONTH OUT OF 2300+ SONGS ACROSS THE COUNTRY!

**Scotty has also been in the top 100 Urban Artists for 3 weeks in a row - out of R&B, Soul, Rap, and more...

Click to Vote/Judge - 1 day left!!! http://www.ourstage.com/contests/4389-get-your-music-featured-on-vibecom-july-2010

For More On Scotty:

Website: www.scottyatl.com
Videos: @scottyatl
Facebook: Scotty Atl

Thursday, July 29, 2010

WBM TOp 10 ALBUMS of the WEEK

WHY BLUE MATTERSTOP 10 ALBUMS OF THE WEEK ending Sunday Aug 1st

1. Eminem - Recovery (SAME)
2. Rick Ross - Teflon Don (DEBUT)
3. Drake - Thank Me Later (DOWN1)
4. Usher - Raymond vs. Raymond (SAME)
5. Big Boi - Sir Lucious Left Foot (DOWN2)
6. B.o.B - Adventures .....(SAME)
7. The Dream - Love king (DOWN2)
8. The Roots - How I got over (DOWN1)
9. Alicia Keys - Element of freedom (SAME)
10.Ludacris - Battle of the sexes (REENTRY)

WBM Top 20 Songs Of the Week

TOP 20 SONGS OF THE WEEK ending Aug 1st

1. T.I f/ Keri Hilson - Got your back (UP1)
2. Kanye West - Power (UP1)
3. Usher - There goes my baby (UP1)
4. Eminem f/ Rihanna - Love the way you lie (UP1)
5. Katy Perry, Snoop Dogg - California Gurls (DOWN4)
6. Cali Swagg District - Teach me how to dougie (SAME)
7. Waka Flocka Flame - Hard in da paint (UP1)
8. Nicki Minaj - Your love (UP2)
9. Neyo - Beautiful monster (UP2)
10. B.O.B, Hayley Williams - Airplanes (DOWN3)
11. Fantasia - Bittersweet (UP2)
12. Soulja Boy - Pretty boy swag (UP2)
13. Shontelle - Impossible (UP4)
14. Drake f/ Lil Wayne - Miss me (UP2)
15. Drake - Find your love (DOWN6)
16. J.Cole - Who dat (UP2)
17. Rick Ross f/ Styles P - B.M.F (UP2)
18. Monica - Love all over me (UP2)
19. Ludacris, Trey Songz - Sex room (DOWN7)
20. Jazmine Sullivan - Holding you down (DEBUT)

WBM Welcomes RoseMarie Reyes To The Team



As 2010 is more than half-way over! And 2011 stands ready to burst in, we at Why Blue Matters stand in awe of all the blessings God has given us. There's so much more to come, as the we have the rest of the year ahead of us. Why Blue Matter has been kept alive again and again, in the midst of many storms. As a team we have survived and risen above the expected waves of challenge, which isn't usual in the pursuit of a dream.

Today, we are honored to add an exceptional young woman to our team. Why Blue Matters, welcomes; RoseMarie Reyes as our lifestyle expert. She'll cover fashion, beauty, and personal development on a weekly basis.


Look forward to wonderful, yet conversational insights and helpful recommendations to make who we are and how we live just a little bit better.


Introducing...


Another phenomenal reason Why Blue Matters.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

WBM Presents: Nesra "Tired Of The Extras"


Nesra a rapper thats making a lot of noise in CALI, and soon to be all over the country. His latest effort "Tired of the extras" will be out on August 1st, so get ready. The 7 song EP has a song for everyone, from the club bangers, to mid tempos, and sure to please any hiphop fan.

"Tired of the extras" starts out with the banger "Hard act 2 follow" which leads into the mellow "this time". Nesra never misses a beat with his flows. His story telling ideas and metaphors are on point as well.

Nesra is an WBM certified artist, so take a minute and listen to "Tired of the extras"

Here's the track listing:

1. Hard Act To FollowProduced by DAXAMION
2. This TimeProduced by Big D (SSF)
3. Fast ForwardProduced by AntraxBeats
4. My EverythingProduced by Majestic Drama Nano Beats
5. Behind The Wheel feat. BarnoneProduced by Remy Remaq
6. Be Different feat. Sexi Nina RossiProduced by Davey (DCOHN) D
7. ProblemsProduced by Davey (DCOHN) D

WBM Music Video: Estelle f/ Nas "Fall in love"

Check out Estelle's video for “Fall in Love” featuring Nas, the first single from her new album "All of Me" coming in September. Let us know what you think?



VH1 TV Shows Music Videos Celebrity Photos News & Gossip

Skateboard Tricks With Justin Bieber




During a stop through to check out Rob Dyrdek's Street League Pros, Pop Superstar, Justin Bieber shows Rob and Pros Terry Kennedy (New Elvie G, client) and Greg Lutzka he can skate with the best of them. Check Bieber bust out a frontside 180 with a little something extra.

S/O to Elvie G for this one.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Through the Photographers Lens




Welcome to Through the Photographers Lens,

In this week’s post I thought I would talk about “Choosing the Right Management”. As an artist it is important to have the right management in your corner. Not “Yes Men on Payroll”. In this article I will outline some of the qualities and qualifications that are common in all artist managers that you as the artist should be looking for and aware of. I believe in order to truly understand something you must first get to know it and all its parts. So, with that in mind let us look at the word manager and its definition:

Definitions of manager (n)

man·ag·er [ mánnijÉ™r ]

1. organizer of business: somebody who is responsible for directing and controlling the work and staff of a business, or of a department within it

2. organizer of somebody's business affairs: somebody who organizes and controls the business affairs of somebody such as a professional entertainer

3. organizer of affairs of athlete: somebody who organizes and controls the training of an athlete or a sports team

As a photo- journalist, fashion photographer and writer, even my business affairs require the services of a good manager. I have been through several managers in my career for an array or reasons. Cheating with the books, suspect business practices and my personal biggest pet peeve, lack of vision are all grounds for termination. It needs to be understood that your manager is YOUR employee and not the other way around. At the same time it is also important to understand that your manager is not your personal assistant. Just as your job as an artist is to create art, your manager’s job is to manage and leverage the resources on the path to your success.

Vision: In dealing with a manager, the vision for your career has to be made perfectly clear. I have very specific goals when it comes to my career and the direction I want it to go in and it is a path that I have thought long and hard about. It is important to be able to communicate your goals to your manager and in turn they must be able to understand why these are important to you. This makes for a very important first conversation with a potential manager. If they do not share your vision then how can they properly manage you? In a previous article I wrote about the “Business of Art” and the ability to separate business from art. This principal is very important because as an artist if you can’t focus on your craft because you have to worry about which clients have paid you and which have not then your art will reflect your lack of focus pushing your goals further out of reach. A good manager should first be familiar with your form of art and have the access and resources in that genre to make the path to your end goal that much more travelable.

Trust: This is a really simple but hard to find requirement for a good manager. You have to be able to trust them with your life’s work. Your craft, money and reputation are in the hands of someone that you have to trust will represent you properly to the world you are trying to make an impression in. They should be professional at all times and look the part. They should be completely transparent in all their business dealings where your project is concerned. Receipts and conference calls, blind CC’s on every email and follow up notes are important because at the end of the day this is your business you are asking them to run for you and you must be able to ask for proof of results and get them. Remember this person will also be responsible for moneys coming in and going out of your accounts and you have to be clear on where YOUR money is at all times.

Resources: Resources are important! Once you have had the goals and dreams conversation the first thing your manager needs to do in proving themselves worthy of your business is the ability to take your dreams and create a path of achievement and put together the resources to get you there. Whether it is training, materials, rehearsals, documents, people and opportunities, a good manager will be able to make these resources available to you to help you achieve your goals. As an artist you need to make the resources you already have available to you, readily available to your manager ONCE YOU TRUST THEM. There’s nothing worse than giving someone a business contact of yours to find out that this person has been soliciting business or making side deals on your name. Remember, everyone you bring to the table is a direct reflection of you and your business.

Ethics: Your reputation is second only to the quality of your art! If you expect to go far in any business you have to run a clean, ethically tight ship. Your management staff, in most cases, is the first to be seen by those you will be doing business with, therefore it is important that they not only look the part but carry themselves as knowledgeable professionals on your behalf. Your management team is for all intents and purposes an extension of you the artist. Make sure that they are trust worthy, and share your same sense of moral value and are able to clearly communicate that on your behalf. Clean, clear dealings are the only way to build longevity.

Fearlessness: I recently did a photo shoot for a new artist and their manager was present for the shoot. As always, I sat and interviewed the artist to find out what the concept of the shoot was and what story they wanted me to tell the world in their photos. The manager became incensed to the point of yelling, which was funny enough to me. It seemed the manager had an idea of what they wanted the photo shoot to look like,but was not shared by the artist. In hearing the artist revealing their thoughts to a total stranger and getting all sorts of positive feedback I guess the manager became embarrassed that they had not had this conversation with their artist and their visions were not the same. The artist wanted to be seen in a certain type of light and the manager wanted to go with, well, let’s just call it the “Lil Wayne” package. The artist in no uncertain terms told the manager that he was not “Lil Wayne” and didn’t want the world to equate them to him or any other artist. Clearly someone who had read my “Cookie Cutter Rapper” article of a few months ago.

The lesson here is your management cannot be afraid to promote you as who you are or let you be the artist you want to be. If they fear not being able to market you to the world for who you are, then you need to re-read this article and see which of these criteria your manager is lacking and changes need to be made.

At the end of the day, you have to be mindful of who you let into your camp because you will be judged by the least of them. If you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression then make sure that the first impression your management makes it a positive and long lasting one.

It’s your career, Make the most of it!

What are your thoughts?



Rahim Baskett
Photographer
MindSoulVision Photography
Email: Rahimb@mindsoulvision.com






Friday, July 23, 2010

WBM Features: Dayne Starr




Style is an expression of individualism mixed with charisma.
Fashion is something that comes after style.
-John Fairchild


Some things are just meant to be. Whether it's in the way that we carry ourselves or the interests we gravitate toward, we oftentimes without realizing fall into purpose and make our impact felt. One such person making quite the impact and shaking up the fashion world in a phenomenal way is our next WBM Feature, Danye Starr.

Ever since he was young, Dayne was always seen by others as someone who would lead a very successful life. His natural knack for creativity lead Dayne to develop this star like quality about him. So in recognition of his gift of creativity, Dayne in turn became aware that the gift best received is the one best shared with others.

In development of what he wanted to share most with the world, Dayne makes his impact felt through the gift of fashion, giving others their own sense of personalized style and the opportunity to be stars from through his clothing, and most recently designer eyewear.

With some time share with us, Dayne talks about stardom and how we too can become stars.



[As Told To Why Blue Matters]





Who is Dayne Starr?

DS: I am 20 years old and a college student.

Where are you from?

DS: I am from Raleigh, North Carolina.

What can you most attribute your high sense of fashion to?

DS: I don't look at what is in style. I love simplistic and timeless fashion. Black on black. The whole L.A. Cholo "look" is something I recently got into. I love their their stereotypical uniform of bandanas, wifebeaters, flannels, dickies, and converse with knee-high white socks. I try to think about what the most hood, street guy would wear and if he can't wear my glasses and find them interesting, I don't make it. But on the flip side, I've also recently gotten into mixing feminine and masculine. Tights and cut off jean shorts. Chambray shirts and the tightest skinny jeans. I have a growing obsession with leather as well.

What would you consider your style of clothing?

DS: I cater to both sexes. But it is always easier for a woman to wear mens clothes and be accepted than a man to wear womens clothes. That's why I design with the most street guys in mind. Because if it reaches them, it can reach anyone. So despite the fact that my aesthetic may be a little weird at times, I try to keep in mind that a lot of the people who want to wear ALL$TARR APPAREL would not do the things that I do. I have support from people who are my sister's age and younger and it's funny because there's a girl who is very supportive of me and she always writes me on Facebook. She told me she was 12. I never would have expected that.

What do you like most about being a fashion designer?

DS: I like the fact that anytime I get inspiration, I can sketch it - and later that week, it will be made. Most people are creative, they just don't have the patience to sit and see things through. I am committed to this. This is a childhood dream to have people know my name. For people to know that despite where you come from, you can be high-fashion. Noone wants to claim Raleigh, North Carolina. Well I'm claiming it. I like the fact that I'm the one who people look to for style advice and ask me to create looks for their parties, etc.

How long have you been involved in fashion?

DS: I've been really creating fashion since I was 16. In high-school I was quiet unless I was around my own group of friends. I guess you could say I'm just now really coming out of my shell. But senior year, I modeled in my school's fashion show and took up a bunch of apparel design courses. We learned all different types of stitches and made everything from a beanie baby to a backpack. Also the previous summer my friends and I took on "RETRO." I wore bandanas backwards around my neck, gold rope chains, throwback tee shirts, 3 different belts in different colors all at the same time! I got a lot of attention positive and negative. But that was the year that I discovered that I could be influential if I took on fashion as a career. I had a pair of shades that I popped the lenses out of because that was before I had bought my first pair of "NERD" glasses. I made lense-less glasses out of necessity and everyone at school started to do it once I wore it.

How did you develop All Star Apparel?

DS: ALL$TARR APPAREL was created one day last year when I first decided I wanted my own label. Dayne $tarr has always been my name. When I was younger my dad would say it all as one "Daynestarr" because I was always putting on a show, writing a play, or designing something. I was really thinking about alliterations that would go well on T-shirts, then later came ALL$TARR APPAREL. I came up with the phrase "It doesn't matter where you come from, we are ALL -$TARRS," and I really believe that. Right now, I'm mainly working on eyewear. I also design customs for anyone who hits me up. I want to encourage individuality.

What inspires and motivates you?

DS: I want to have longevity in this business and the fact that I was so inexperienced made me want to learn more. I always put in my E-mails to stylists that I am "100% eager and willing." You can't be lazy. You have to look at B.E.T. and all the up and coming stars. If you don't see your work on them, that should push you to get yourself more exposure. Any way you know how. Parties, etc. It's all about marketing, marketing, marketing.

What type of impact would you like to make with All Star Apparel?

DS: I want to continue networking with celebrity stylists and getting them to pull my work. Recently I released logo tee shirts. I stay in contact with a lot of rock bands. And I will definetely be making more creative designs, SO STAY TUNED!

Any anyone you like to work with in the future?

DS: Definetely. Any and everyone! I don't discriminate. I would really like to work with Nicki Minaj because she's dope. She's not afraid to take risks and I know she wears a lot of new designers. Stylists like Mr. Bradshaw and Valissa Yoe because I love the looks they create on their clients. They're also people willing to let new talent shine. I would like to get my work in more fashion shoots because that's where the real exposure comes from. Years from now, pictures will still remain of your work in a magazine or on the internet. That's what's so good about using Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks to get a business started.

What do you do outside of fashion design?

DS: I am a full-time student. I'm majoring in English because I love to write. I would love to some day write a fashion column on top of designing. I think it's important to be aware and intelligent. Not just someone who can make clothes. I'm not one dimensional.

What are your plans for 2010?

DS: I would like to make it to fashion week in NYC. I've never been! I'll be in school, but hopefully I can set my schedule to see a few shows and network, attend a couple of parties.

Any advice for those looking to pursue their fashion aspirations?

DS: Tune out ALL negativity! And I mean ALL of it! My twitter is a place of business, peace, and love! You never see me talking trash anywhere online. That's not a good look. I'm here to promote and there are gonna be people who doubt you but it's all voided when people support your work.


For More On Dayne Star:
http://www.twitter.com/allstarrapparel
http://www.myspace.com/allstarrapparel
http://allstarrapparel.bigcartel.com/

WBM Events: Jazz Weekend With Steve Lovell



WBM Promo Ft. Pho'





The first promo reel featuring some of reasons Why Blue Matters. With music by Pho, you get an idea of who we showcased and most importantly what we're all about.

104,000+ reasons and counting. Be the next reason Why Blue Matters.
http://www.whybluematters.com

Thursday, July 22, 2010

WBM Features: The Story of Cosmetics





Released on July 21st, 2010, The Story of Cosmetics examines the harmful use of toxic chemicals in our everyday personal care products, from lipstick to baby shampoo.

Produced By: Free Range Studios
Narrated By: Anne Leonard

Why Blue Matters

Be The One




Moved? Make a difference and participate in the signing of the petition to protect the Gulf Coast.

Be The One.

WBM Top 10 Albums

WHY BLUE MATTERS

TOP 10 ALBUMS OF THE WEEK ending Sunday July 25th

1. Eminem - Recovery (SAME)
2. Drake - Thank Me Later (SAME)
3. Big Boi - Sir Lucious Left Foot (DEBUT)
4. Usher - Raymond vs. Raymond (UP1)
5. The Dream - Love king (DOWN1)
6. B.o.B - Adventures .....(UP1)
7. The Roots - How I got over (DOWN1)
8. Currensy - Pilot Talk (DEBUT)
9. Alicia Keys - Element of freedom (DOWN1)
10.Paul Wall - Heart of a champion (DEBUT)

WBM TOP 20 Songs Of The Week

TOP 20 SONGS OF THE WEEK ending July 25th

1. Katy Perry, Snoop Dogg - California Gurls (UP2)
2. T.I f/ Keri Hilson - Got your back (UP2)
3. Kanye West - Power (UP2)
4. Usher - There goes my baby (UP5)
5. Eminem f/ Rihanna - Love the way you lie (UP6)
6. Cali Swagg District - Teach me how to dougie (UP2)
7. B.O.B, Hayley Williams - Airplanes (DOWN6)
8. Waka Flocka Flame - Hard in da paint (UP2)
9. Drake - Find your love (DOWN7)
10. Nicki Minaj - Your love (UP2)
11. Neyo - Beautiful monster (UP2)
12. Ludacris, Trey Songz - Sex room (DOWN6)
13. Fantasia - Bittersweet (UP2)
14. Soulja Boy - Pretty boy swag (UP2)
15. J.Long f/ Pretty Ricky - Personal freak (DOWN8)
16. Drake f/ Lil Wayne - Miss me (UP2)
17. Shontelle - Impossible (UP2)
18. J.Cole - Who dat (UP2)
19. Rick Ross f/ Styles P - B.M.F (DEBUT)
20. Monica - Love all over me (DEBUT)

WBM Music Video: T.I f/ Keri Hilson "Got Your Back"

Check out T.I's latest video "Got Your Back" F/ Keri Hilson. Also peep cameos from
Lance Gross,Jill Marie Jones, and Tiny. "King Uncaged" his new album due out in September.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

WBM Music Video: Nicki Minaj "your love"

Here is the second video from Nicki Minaj for her song "Your Love" let us know what you think?

JINX Performing Live With Nappy Roots In NYC




Performing this weekend live. Support great artist making great music.


For More On Jinx:
www.myspace.com/jinxuniverse

Captain America Costume Revealed




Captain America: The First Avenger, coming to theaters July 22, 2011.

WORDS FOR THE SOUL




In life there are guidelines and paths for you to take. Sometimes you start down a path and you get distracted. Its not up to anyone but yourself to get back on that same path or start on to a new one. The path I've always fallen away from, involve love. I've never found myself able to go back down a path with someone that I've fallen apart from for whatever reason. once in a while for myself or anyone it can happen. Sometimes when it does, its more of a sign to show you whether you don't get to the end of that path with that person its worth you coming back to it.



Never let anything or anyone take you off of one path and move you on to the next unless your fully comfortable saying I'm going nowhere on this path and its time to move on.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Supersonic Car Ready To Travel Over 1,000 MPH





Above is an animated demo of what's set to take place either late this year or early sometime next year.

Built by a team of aerodynamic experts, consisting of British scientists and engineers, the development of the Bloodhound Supersonic Car is designed to shatter the land speed record. Word has it, the Bloodhound Supersonic Car has capabilities to travel over 3 digits and in the realm of over 1,000MPH. Woah!!!

This WBM Inspiration moment is brought to you by advancements in technology.

Monday, July 19, 2010

WBM Features: Photon



If you're not giving the world the best you have, what world are you saving it for ?
-Author Unknown


The ability to give becomes most rewarding when able to do so without expectation of anything in return; for through such means, and without fail, what one receives is the byproduct of what he or she gives. Now when coupled with one's best, the act of extending forth toward another, toward something or for something produces phenomenal results. The results: monumental and can be the catalyst for something much greater than ourselves.

Take Pho,' artist, activist and our next WBM Feature for example. There isn't moment when he isn't giving his best. Time and time again, what he gives, not only in the music he creates but to others is amazing. He commits to his craft and in exchange is able to harnesses creatvity. That creativity bolsters the inspiration of others and that inspiration in turn sparks a movement of epic proportion.

So with some time to give and in a major way, the movement keeps on moving. Here to provide some insight about himself, music, what to expect in 2010 and beyond, Pho' is the next reason Why Blue Matters. What he gives is his best, what you receive that's up for you to decide.


[As Told To Why Blue Matters]



Who is Photon and how did you arrive at that pseudonym?

Photon is an artist; always, in the studio and in life in general, always looking for that perfect blend of perfection and communication. Photon, usually shortened to Pho' - to get scientific with you all for a minute (ha) - is the basic particle of light... light, is in the world, but not of it. A creed I strive to live by... keep it objective and SHINE!

Where are you from?

Photon: I'm from New Jersey's Philadelphia suburbs. Now ask me where I'm going!

Interest(s)?

Photon: My passion is psychology, the study of mental life. I'm also a big fan of road trips and beautiful people.

How long have you been involved with music?

Photon: I've been involved in music since my fingers were big enough to stretch cross 5 keys on a piano and before. It's cultural. Music has been around me since I was listening with amniotic fluid as an amp. haha.

What do you like most about being an emcee?

Photon: It's gotta be when you successfully transmit that emotion to your audience, when you get them in the frame of mind where they touch the frame of mind you were in when you picked up the pen. That's art. When you can put an emotion or state of consciousness in a time capsule and draw it out of those who come in contact with your work.

What type of impact would you like to leave with your music?

Photon: I just want to present, clearly, the case for a direction of hip hop, music and art in general, which is reflective of that "golden mean" you know? Beauty. Inspiration. The advancement of man.

What does it mean to be an artist in 2010?

Photon: It means you can cut out the middle man and still make it happen. I hear a lot of talk about supersaturation in the internet age, but there's always room, and a market, for originality. It also means you have a responsibility to keep art alive and tell those that push "factory stock" cloned "junk" as art to go to hell.

How important is creativity to you?

Photon: As important as it must have been to the Creator in the beginning.

What matters most, style or substance?

Photon: That's one of those questions you just can't answer with one word. If anyone has one without the other, they're incomplete as an artist... the only answer is the synthesis of content that is delivered with some sort of spark!

What does success mean to you?

Photon: To me, success is Flow. Being "in the zone"... Joy, Peace, teaching others how to get there.

Has that answer changed over the years?

Photon: Naturally. Especially in comparison to when I was at the point where I was letting others define success for me.

What inspires and motivates you?

Photon: Goals, imagination, potential, the prospect of what could be when we get that determination to make it happen, that sort of thing... you know?

How important has the internet been with your success?

Photon: We're talking virtually infinite resources as far as networking and information... the internet is absolutely KEY to the independent artist that is concerned with large scale dissemination of their work. I supposed this would be a good time to say SHOUT OUTS TO FINLAND AND LEBANON. I get a lot of love from those respective areas.

Speaking of, what's the prognosis, your upcoming internet based platform all about?

Photon: Prognosis Entertainment has been dubbed "The Soundtrack of the Revolution" and its all about setting the stage for creating a cooperative or coalition of artists who desire use their gifts, talents and abilities to get people back into their OWN brands and styles of creativity, rather than the lovely world of zombie like consumerism which is fueled largely by the music prevailing in popular culture. It's about The Movement. We've gotta break the stranglehold on the creative juices. "Ye are all gods!"

What can the world expect from you this year?

Photon: M for The Movement! Tag it and keep moving!

Biggest accomplishment?

Photon: I'm gonna have to go with "as yet to be determined" on this one.

Any advice for those looking to pursue and create movements of their own?

Photon: Crowdsourcing is the future. Look into it.

For More On Pho':
http://www.theprognosis.net/ (coming August 2010)
http://www.youtube.com/ThePhoster
http://www.twitter.com/ThePhoster
www.theprognosis.net@gmail.com

WBM Music Video: Dondria f/Johnta Austin & Diamond "Shawty Whats up"

Check out Dondria's second single "Shawty What's Up" and let us know what you think?




Dondria’s debut album, Dondria Vs. Phatfffat, is set for release August 17th.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Beauty & Beyond With RoseMarie Reyes



Beauty is as beauty does. We're not remembered by what we
looked like but how we behaved and changed the lives of others.

-Cristina Carlino


Not too long ago, we had a chat with the bedazzling, temptress-meets-caramelized angelic face with the body to match. Her teeny-tiny calves extend several miles up to tiny thighs, which eventually meet up with a small but shapely Latin tush, which swivels with her hips below her fat-free waistline and real perky breast. Yes, we are talking about RoseMarie Reyes! She's back!!!

Reyes recently signed a major deal with a skincare line and is ready to clear rumors as to why she shut-the-doors of the urban market good-bye!



[As Told To Why Blue Matters]




We hear you've signed a deal with Flo' Claire Skincare. Congratulations! How important is it for you as a model to take care of your skin?

RoseMarie Reyes: Thanks WBM! being a model, looking after my skin is always a top priority of mine. There are makeup artists at the shoots, that'll treat your skin; but ultimately it's my responsibility to show up with a clean slate. Maintaining flawless skin means everything to me, my face has been my selling point through-out my modeling career; not a darn boob-job nor or a butt-implant (I don't have either)!

We're curious what ethnicity do people think you are?

RoseMarie Reyes: I love it when people come up to me and ask, "What are you?" I've heard everything African-American, Black, Puerto Rican, Asian-Mixed, Brazilian. Some people hit it right on "you're Dominican."

Those whom guessed it, it's probably because they heard you speak? In previous conversation we've have noticed a mixed accent of "Latin/Brooklyn"...

RoseMarie Reyes: Hahaha. It's true-if I'm comfortable, it comes out. It depends who I'm around, if I'm working or if I'm just hanging out in my hometown (Brooklyn).


Speaking about mixed nationalities and accents, do you believe in mixing business and pleasure?

RoseMarie Reyes: There’s bound to be love on and off-camera because models, actors, artists, etc. work closely on set together pulling 8-16 hours a day with each other, you spend such close time with each other and everyone is really pretty and very attractive. People just tend to gravitate towards each other. I don't believe that you walk-into a shoot and say, "Today I plan on mixing both"... That's not what happens!

On her devotion in-front of the camera; and even after post editing...

RoseMarie Reyes: I’m a control freak and am retarded about having everything the way I want it in terms of make-up, styling, and even re-touching! I will sit in the editing room with the photographer super-vising him, lol and won’t let anyone see the final images until I'm sure that my expectations are met. Then I’ll let my agents/mgr judge it. I’m not going to feel comfortable [with people] criticizing it unless I satisfy myself first.

In the past, rumors have swirled that you were no longer of interest to the urban market because you refused to enhance your assets? RoseMarie is there any truth in those "rumors"?

RoseMarie Reyes: I have no idea where and how these rumors began to circulate. Leaving the urban-market was by choice, I could still be in today if I wanted to. My ambitions and aspirations in life were bigger than simply watching myself in a video, or posing for a men's publication in little to no clothing. Not knocking the females that do it; many of them I know! Personally it wasn't my thing.

How different is life here in New York different, than back home?

RoseMarie Reyes: My parents are from Santiago, 2nd largest city in the Dominican Republic. I never lived there; but from my annual summer vacation I was able to learn how life there is. People are really slow there, they have work half a day and then go to the beach. They have time. Here in the big city people spend their time thinking about work and about money; they don't give some value to friendships, families, and relationships which can be depressing.



For More On RoseMarie Reyes: