Ryze-Up1 by Brian Ingram

July 2012

Vivianna Ramos Zapata

Inking Up The Queen City

Soft Heart Hard Body!

Check out Travis Lakeman and his expressions of ink! Electrifying The 2012 Chevy Volt Review

Credits Contact Us

contact@ryze-up.com

Welcome Local, Fresh & Easy. On the surface, these are just three words. But dig a little deeper and you will find they have meaning, purpose & weight. Local, Fresh & Easy are words that will give meaning to Ryze-Up! RyzeUp is a new website that will change how & where you eat, buy, trade and are entertained here in Charlotte.

Models

Helena Pajevski Angel Garet Vivianna Ramos Zapata

Contributors

Ryze-Up Team Brandy Medina BeMe Photography KAE Faces of KAE Larry Cornwell Barbera Fleuret ZeroLinez Production

Photographers

Brandy Medina BeMe Photography Larry Cornwell Ariel Perez Russel Addair

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Index July 2012

Content 01. The Many Faces Of Kae 07. These Are My Stories 15. The Travis Lakeman Interview

Index

Content

cover

23. Chevy Volt Review 27. Absoulutely Convicted 34. Viviannaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Interview 45. The Art of BeMe Photography

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Interview

The Many Faces Of Kae

ell us a little about yourself personally and if you attended school or if you are a self taught makeup artist?

For as long as I can remember I have always been passionate about makeup! I would sit in my room for hours as a young girl experimenting with different looks that I saw in magazines and such. I always recruited friends and family as guinea pigs, and am grateful they were willing to cooperate in my antics! I believe that makeup, as with any art, comes from the soul! It’s not something you can truly learn in a classroom! Of course anyone can learn the basics, but in order to make it your own and be successful at it you must have that passion and drive that comes from within! Do you think going to school for make-up artistry is important to excel in the business later on?

Some people/agencies may feel more comfortable recruiting you if you have a degree or certificate, but I feel that it’s not “Necessary” in the art world.

Let your work speak for itself! If you are good, People will notice! Who or what inspired you to become a makeup artist?

I will have to say that the fashion world, magazines and such, played a big part in my up-rising. I would thumb though magazines looking at the beautiful models, all the while thinking to myself “I could totally do that look” or, “I could have done way better than that!” …..I still think that way! Haha! What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about your job?

I LOVE being able to express myself through my art but to me, it’s all about the transformation! It’s almost like I am in charge of turning a plain old! caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly! I just love the beauty in it, and being able to bring that beauty out in everyone! I love to witness the look on my clients’ faces when they see themselves in the mirror for the first time after a makeup session! It’s priceless! It’s Elating!

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What surprises you most about working as a makeup artist?

Describe your “Classic Approach to Beauty.” how do you define beauty?

The fact that there are SO many women who do not see their true beauty! There are a LOT of women who don’t wear makeup or don’t think that they could pull it off. Take Red lipstick as an example! I always hear “Oh NO that is TOO bold for me!” but when they see how fierce they look with their sexy red lips they are always taken aback! It’s an awesome feeling making a woman realize her inner sexiness!

Beauty comes from within, no matter your skin type, weight, height, age, color, gender….none of that really matters! To me, It’s all about what makes YOU feel truly sexy and beautiful! If you FEEL beautiful, everyone will notice! That inner light will shine through! I strive to bring that “inner light” out in all of my clients, and for some it’s the first time they see it and It’s just amazing!

Interview

What individual products and brands are you “addicted” to at the moment and use on a daily basis?

I am a long time fan of M.A.C Cosmetics, although I have found that there are a lot of affordable drug store brands out there that are less expensive but very effective! Some of my recent favorite drug store finds are: “The Falsies” mascara by Maybelline! I use it myself daily and It’s amazing! Especially for the price, my lashes truly look like falsies! I LOVE the ELF brand crème eyeliner! It is long lasting, smudge proof, very easy to use, and one little jar lasts a very long time! I am also a big fan of the Revlon High Definition foundation. It’s blend ability and coverage are comparable to the more expensive brands! However, If you prefer not to use liquid foundation, I highly recommend the Bare Minerals line of foundation powders. Although more expensive, When it comes to maximum coverage without the heavy feel of liquids, they rock! A little goes a LONG way! What are some of the most basic but effective skin care tips in general that you have, that are really important?

“Believe!”… Believe in yourself, your dreams…. Just Believe!”

-Kae MOISTURIZE!!!!!! Ladies, keep your faces moisturized, and also wash your makeup off every night before bed! This will prevent major breakouts! Use products that are made especially for your skin type! I personally recommend the Avon skincare line! It’s less expensive than department store brands, and they make it easy to target your individual needs! Have you had an extreme, crazy or bad experience with a skin care product or during a makeup session? If so, what happened?

I can’t say that I have really! I always use products that are hypo-allergenic and oil free!

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What do you find to be the most common mista- For a natural look, I recommend a tinted SPF 15 kes women make with makeup? What’s the worst moisturizer, with a bit of bronzer on the cheekbones & temples. Fill-in the eyebrow with a wathing a woman can do to her skin?

terproof eye pencil, not too heavy!! And a natural waterproof brown mascara (If you have black eyelashes, use a waterproof black mascara). Finish it off with a light pink or clear lipgloss or an SPF lip balm and you’re ready for the beach!

Take it easy on the bronzers AND self tanners, especially when used together! Orange is not a good color….Unless you are actually an orange! I also find that a lot of women don’t wear blush! I think it’s because they are afraid to overdo it. Find a shade that is comparable to your natural “Blush” What is a really quick way to change a day look to a special occasion or nightcolor. Light pinks or peaches detime face? pending on your skin type will really bring out your cheekbones. It’s all about the eyes! The Don’t forget about your eyebrows, Lip gloss or Lipstick. Which classic smoky eye is easy ladies!!! Pluck, wax, shave and/or to do and will make your fill-in…whatever your preference... product is best? Why? eyes really pop! Especially Your eyebrows and cheekbones can really define your face when It’s totally up to the individual! if you are like most women accentuated! Most importantly, use Lip Gloss is sheer and shiny, and wear a light brown eye shadow during the daytime. a moisturizer that at least contains Lip Stick can be matte or 1. Add a darker brown an SPF 15 sunscreen. SPF 15 will allow your skin to get SOME co- shiny but the colors are more (or black, if you are daring) lor from the sun while blocking out intense. I love both! Depen- shade to the outer crease of most of the harmful rays that cause ding on my mood! And the your eyes and blend well inthose unsightly wrinkles! It’s also a occasion! The great thing ward toward your nose. happy medium between looking about makeup is, you can 2. Line the top eyelids with black eyeliner (If you like a lobster or a vampire! create your own combina- wish) tions! Your favorite Lipstick 3. Use a white or “bone” What do you think are best/worst topped off with your favorite color eye shadow to hightrends in the makeup / skin care inlight just underneath the lip gloss….Epic! dustry right now? eyebrow and blend well. 4. Refresh your lashes TRENDS are just that….trendy… with a coat of mascara and usually outrageous! Unless 5. Finish it off with a bit of a pink blush on the you are a runway model, rock star or actress/accheekbones, face powder on your shiny spots and tor keep it simple! a light pink or clear lip gloss for sultry shiny lips! Voila! What feature(s) do you love to accentuate and why?

What do your clients think of you? What are some individual testimonials?

I like to accentuate a clients’ best feature, whether it be their eyes, lips, skin or all of the above…I In MY opinion, they all love me!! Haha! But I guess have an eye for beauty and glamour and will make you would have to ask them that question! I have a testimonial page on my website, any and ALL sure they stand out above all! feedback is welcomed! What are your steps for the perfect, flawless, nat- (www.facesofkae.com) ural look?

- Ryze-Up Magazine

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Interview

These Are My Stories Told to you throuh my art - Ryze-Up Magazine What drives you to paint the way that you do?

et’s start off by introducing you to Charlotte. Who are you and what do you do?

My Name is Meagan Park - I am a Portrait Artist, a Painter, or What I like to Call a Paintslinger

I’m not really sure what drives me to paint the way that I do, painting has always been a love of mine –When I was in Kindergarten, we had to dress up as what we were going to be when we grew up beside the mini-doctors and firefighters I stood in paint-splattered clothes and told my class I was going to be an Artist. I think it’s in my blood, My Family and I Have always been the ‘artsy type’… Walk us through a normal work day for yourself?

Well, the main part of painting is that I have to get myself prepared to sit for atleast a few hours at a time – and that involves the kinda quirky and weird set-up rituals that I have… It Goes Something Like This: I can’t paint in a dirty house, even though I have my own Studio to lock myself away in, I can’t relax and have a clear mind knowing my carpet hasn’t been vaccumed… After my house is somewhat squared away - I have to brew some coffee, Light a Candle, Turn The Stereo Up ( I like to sing while I paint ), Make Sure I have Clean Brushes and Water, I like to wear my Slippers too – My Cat, Kiwi, will need her bed set up so she take a nap beside me... After all of that, and probably more, I sit in my Chair and begin to unwind… the rest is history, I get lost in what I like to call ‘Painting Land’…

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0910 What’s your background, how did you start?

It really started in High School Art Class, after I decided that playing Clarinet and Softball just weren’t my thing. I’m not much of a team player. – That’s Where I painted my first real Portrait, my first real Paintings – That’s where I started entering art shows, and Had my first Offer on one of my Paintings, which I thankfully turned down… High School is where my real true Love for Portrait Painting and not just my natural creativity began. What role do you think an artist has in society?

It has a huge role – it’s how people express themselves when words can’t, then in return other people decorate their homes and everything else under the sun with it, and sit and wonder what the artist was thinking, how they were feeling when they were painting, and what’s the story behind the painting… Or, there are the people who see a painting, like it’s pretty colors and that’s as far as the thought process goes… But Whatever, even though every painting of mine has a story, whether you care or not, I’m just happy to have my paintings out there for people to see . How has your style changed over time if at all?

My style, I don’t think has changed much, I think I have matured and learned a lot as an artist, but I’m pretty sure my style is still Meagan… What art do you most identify with?

The very first painting I ever painted waayyy back was a recreation of Vincent Van Goghs, ‘Starry Night’ – After that I did my own thing, so I think some of my style and brushstrokes maybe in some way are similar to him…

What kind of artwork do you most enjoying doing? I work as a Veterinary Technician, My Other Love

in Life is Animals. Animals are just awesome in I Love to Paint murals on walls, abstract and free every single way… Working With and Around Anipaintings on canvas, but my true love is to paint mals and ‘Animal People’ really got me into Paintportraits, of People or Furry Friends ing Pet Portraits – It started with, ‘Hey I heard you paint, will you paint my Dog??’ And it took off from What themes do you pursue? there… Last Year I Was Commissioned to Paint Seventeen Pet Portraits, and I’m Happy with that… Lately, I’ve Been Painting Pet Portraits – Depending on who I am Painting for and what exactly it is Why art? that they want will depend on the theme as well – Some people like their paintings more ‘traditional’ Because that’s how I express myself – You know, but I’ve also been asked to paint Pet Portraits that sometimes I wish I didn’t have such a boring talare Colorful and Funky and Fun – ent. Sometimes I wish I could sing and play Guitar, or Dance. But, painting is what I have, so I’m just What’s your favorite art work? gonna go with it and be happy and thankful that I have been able to do as much work as I have, so My Favorite painting that I finished is called ‘Cres- far… cent Sun’ , I painted it for Fun a Few Years ago and has been hanging on my wall since… I just love it, What memorable responses have you had to your it was unplanned, it just came from within… work? Some of the most Memorable responses are from What jobs have you done/doing other than being the ‘not an artistic bone in my body’ side of the an artist? family…

1112 about it… maybe some people come off snobby or unaccepting of something new… But, the thing I’ve learned about being an artist is that people will criticize you, people will not like what you’ve spent hours and hours working on, and you have to learn to be okay with that. Same goes with any other type if artist, musician, or whatever, people always try to find what you could have done better and not what you did amazingly… What do you like about your work?

I like that my work is a reflection of myself, I have basically no influences, I just paint from my heart… What makes you angry?

If you know me, you know there isn’t much that makes me angry… So, I’m not really gonna elaborate on that… What research do you do?

Research about Art isn’t really on the top of my list of things to learn about… If there is anything I research the most it would be about Nutrition, I guess because I never really told my family I Physical, and Mental health... Painting is definitely paint, I don’t really talk about it, I just do it – Then one of the things that I practice to keep my mind when they actually see my paintings they don’t be- healthy… lieve that I painted it… Then I don’t know how to respond, so I just get all shy when people make a What superpower would you have and why? big deal about it… I would be able to Fly! Because it would awesome Are there any challenges with being a painter and and there isn’t any other Freedom like it… I dream having a husband who is a musician? about it all the time. No Challenges Here! When He has Practice or a Recording Session that’s the perfect time for me to get it together and paint the night away… We Sometimes Visit Each other’s Studios for a Lesson in Painting or To Learn a Few Chords on a Guitar... We Love and Accept Each other’s Abilities, that’s what makes it work, that’s what makes it so awesome – We drive Each other to do better and Never Give up On Our Lifelong Dreams - You Only Live once, you know… Is there anything you dislike about the art world?

I’m sure if I was out and about in the Art World a little more I could find a thing or two that I dislike

Name something you love, and why.

Other than Art and Animals – My natural, lifetime Loves… I Love Yoga! Because it has taught me more than I ever imagined… it has taught me to be patient and accepting of things that I cannot change, it has taught me to be strong willed and determined, it has taught me to Stop, Breathe, and Let Go of things that do me no good. And, I’m sure the longer I practice there will be more positive things I will be able to take from it and put into my everyday life and relationships…

Name something you don’t love, and why.

Public Television, because I think it does nothing but suck you in to watching and believing things that do not matter, which can keep you from being productive and doing things that actually do matter. What is your dream project?

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been givI’d love to be commissioned to paint portraits for en?

some of my favorite Recording Artist…

The best advice I have been given, came from Name three artists you’d like to be compared to. my Uncle Blake (who is an artist as well) when I just wasn’t feelin’ a painting I was commissioned I’d rather not be compared to anyone, I like to just to paint, and I was having trouble getting into it… be Myself… And this is what he said: Favorite or most inspirational place (in Charlotte)? “Michelangelo, Rembrandt and all the other greats

did commissioned works that hang in museums Besides my Art Studio and my House – You know today. They had patrons who supported them and Artist of every kind like to visit NoDa, because gave them work to push them to be better. there are so many likeminded people in the area, and others who just appreciate art in general… Try to get your head into your work and do it with Not like I go there to chat and tell people about my all you’ve got. Learn to be thankful that you are paintings, but it’s fun to go hang out in the sum- blessed enough even to get commissions. That’s mertime and support musicians (and artist) from a major accomplishment in itself that should not be around the town… overlooked. Take on your commissions like they are for the Medici and then make your masterpieces. Make your commissions come from your heart too. You can do things to make them that way. I’m sure that you have the creativity to figure out how to do that. All artists need encouragement every now and then. We are emotional creatures. Pour your emotion out in your work.” Professionally, what’s your goal?

I would love to eventually sell my paintings to major Retail Businesses (Target, Kohls, etc.) and have prints sold Nationwide… that would be awesome. What wouldn’t you do without?

I Wouldn’t do without Wonderful People, Like Yourself, Who Want to Let the World Know about People Like Myself…

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InkingLorem Up The Ipsum DoQueen City

lor Sit Amet

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Travis Lakeman Welcome to the world of one of Charlottes Premier Tattoo Artists - Ryze-Up Magazine

How many years have you been in the business?

2 yrs as a shop bitch, 3 yrs as a tattooer Who are your influences?

There are many, but two that come to mind are Kenny Brown and Dave Poole. I like the personality in their work. What is your favorite style of work?

Bold and clean, not really a style but that is what I find myself drawn towards in tattooing. Tell us about your first Tattoo experience?

I skipped school to get tattooed as soon as I was 18. I wanted to get a little firebird logo from my guitar on my leg. It was a good introduction to a new love. By the time I graduated I had 3 more. None of the tattoos I collected when I wasyounger are relevant to me anymore, though they do still remind me of my younger self. A sort of personal time line.

palm side of fingers, inner lip, etc. I will tattoo these places as long as the person knows that it will probably heal like shit. As far a private parts, well, lets just say there is a very expensive handling fee.

What is your favorite piece that you have inked on Do you support a supply co. that sells to the public are there any local supply companies? you?

I do not. If you are not a tattooer you have no business messing around on people. Aside from all the obvious risks like cross-contamination and infections, tattooing has way too many variables to figure out on your own. It is something that needs to Out of all the Tattoo’s you have done which is the be learned from a professional. Usually at any given time it would be the most recent tattoo. Its kind of like writing a new song or doing a new painting, the baby is always the favorite. most memorable and why?

Do you feel there now should be mandatory I would have to say the Gibson Grabber bass half schooling for soon to be tattoo artists?

sleeve. It was one of my first large tattoos and I learned a lot while doing it.I had a patient friend If you are serious about learning to tattoo, you willing to sit many long sessions to make it happen need an apprenticeship. A real apprenticeship from a real tattoo artist. Not some bs ‘give us some & am quite happy with the end result. money and you’ll be a tattooer in a month’. Chain Is there a part of the body you won’t Tattoo and production shops are total crap. why?

Do you feel Tattooing has changed over the years, Tattooing is about the art for me, so if someone and if so why?

wants to get their butt-hole inked for a laugh, I’m not really their guy. There are many areas that are Quite a bit. Tattooing has become less taboo over just a bad idea anyway, like the bottom of the feet, the years. It has allowed more artist to pursue this

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medium, and more scratchers as well (a scratcher is someone who tries to tattoo out of their home). I find more people getting tattooed who never imagined they could do it... especially older women who were not allowed to be tattooed when they were younger. To them I say ‘awesome’.

looking at tattoo artist portfolios, learning as much as possible about the art... maybe get a reception job at custom shop. What could you say to someone who has had a bad first tattoo experience?

Do you think it is important to do as many conven- Do your homework. There are way more of the bad tions and shows as possible? ‘tattoo artist’ than good ones. Look at many artists

Only if it is important to you. Conventions are fun, but not in any way an ideal setting to get/give tattoos. They tend to put you out of your element of comfort. It is a great way to discover really good artists, though not every convention is worth its weight.

work, take time to decide who has the style you like. A good artist will most likely be booked out a bit, so be patient. Then set up an appointment or consultation when you are ready. Don’t go for the artist who is making you a ‘deal’. You will pay for it the rest of your life, or until someone else fixes it.

Please share any other comments or views or What advise can you give to someone who is start- questions to the public you might have. ing or looking to get into the tattoo business?

Tattoos are not like they are in the TV shows. Keep a portfolio of your drawings/artwork and nev- There are better artist in Charlotte alone than who er stop drawing. It takes a long time to show some- you can find on TV. It is not a dramatic or quick one you have what it takes to apprentice. Start by process, so take your time. You get what you pay for.

Travis Lakeman

Fu’s Custom Tattoo (704)376-4556 www.fuscustomtattoo.com

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Review

2K12 Chevrolet Volt by Larry Cornwell GM has always been great at marketing its cars, and it showed with the Volt. A lot of people knew what it was, with one driver jumping from his truck at an intersection to tell me that he was going to buy one. That being said, Chevrolet has not sold many Volts at all, which is surprising to me.

When using a standard 110v outlet to charge the Chevrolet Volt as I did, it will take between 12 to 14 hours for a full charge. A 220v power conversion kit will no doubt cut this charge time to six to eight hours, or the amount of time the typical car sits overnight before the next work day.

Before I sink my teeth into the meat of the matter, an explanation is needed first. Traditional hybrids like the Ford Fusion hybrid or the Toyota Prius are assisted by electric motors. These electric motors will propel the car from 0 up to a certain limit, whether that limit be speed or distance. Typically this distance limit is around 34 miles or so. Once this limit is reached, the gasoline engine kicks in and propels the car.

When it comes to models like the Chevrolet Volt, the most demanded and most important information is one of efficiency. The fact that the Chevrolet Volt has the low slung stance and style of a sports car is secondary. Even the Volts near luxury ride and four supportive, but comfortable sport seats is secondary. The Volts good trunk space in the Volt is secondary.

The Chevrolet Volt is similar but different. It is similar in that it has a gasoline engine too, but it is also a plug model. It is different because this gasoline engine is only used as an electric generator. This engine/generator does not propel the car but only generates more electricity, which in turn moves the car. Unlike electric models such as the Nissan Leaf, which has a tested range just over 100 miles, the Chevrolet Volt can continue far beyond that.

As you would expect, the Volt is quiet, but it is very smooth as well. Even in the most luxurious models, vibrations from internal combustion engines and traditional transmissions are all but imperceivable. However, when you drive an electric model like the Volt, the absence of these vibrations is magnified. But again that too is secondary. Now let us get down to it. The Chevrolet Volt achieved a combined city/highway average between 66 & 68 â&#x20AC;&#x153;mpgâ&#x20AC;? during my week long test.

2324 My shortest range in assisted electric mode was 27 miles on one gallon of gasoline generated electricity. This was impressive because this was achieved in the mountains where the elevation put the most strain on the generator. The fact that I had two adult passengers with me on this trip made this even more impressive. My longest nonassisted electric charge was 62 miles. By my estimation, the Volts range could be extended far beyond the 622 total miles that I achieved. These 622 miles was covered on neighborhood streets, busy roads, highways, mountains and speeds up to 101mph. When I ride my all carbon-fiber Specialized Roubaix bicycle into work, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a 15 mile ride each way covering 30 miles round trip. Even with stops by restaurants, or errands runs to the grocery store or pharmacy most of these points are along my ride route. This means that someone with a 220v charger could get a full charge every night after work. In turn, they could drive the Volt for days without tapping into the gasoline generator.

Unlike most vehicles, when you pull on the turn signal stalk to flash the lights in the Volt, the horn blows too. I asked an OnStar representative why and was told that it was a safety feature, because the Volt is so quiet. This is true, but the problem is that most people are not use to this and did cause some potentially raw reactions. Long story short, the Chevrolet Volt delivers the goods. While the $40,000+ price is steep, I am surprised that Chevrolet has not sold more Volts. If you are looking or considering the Nissan Leaf, or a traditional hybrid take a serious look at the Chevrolet Volt. For additional information, find the Facebook page 2k11 Chevrolet Volt.

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Freelance Makeup Artist

www.facesofkae.com info@facesofkae.com

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Interview

Ray - To me it means that while at the core of it all

we share the same musical beliefs, even though we come from different musical backgrounds. Our individual experiences unify our musical perspective, through this language system (music) free from restriction or limitation. That’s Absoulute Convixtion! Paul - I agree with Andy and Ray, only we know

Absoulutly Convicted

by Barbara F of ZeroLinez Barbara F- How did the band form? Andy - In May of 2011 Andy Rogers placed an ad

on Craigslist and it was responded to by drummer Paul Fleuret’. Then the foundation for Absoulute Convixtion was formed.

Paul - I actually called into work that day so Andy

and I could jam. I never call into work, just kind of felt the need to get together with Andy before it got too late, and thankfully we did. This is by far the best band I’ve been involved with. We started out as a three piece,and back in November I was fortunate enough to meet Corey, shortly after that we were introduced to Ray and he became the final piece to the puzzle. All four of us are like long lost brothers, always joking and pranking on one another, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love all these guys, and consider them all family. Barbara F - What does the name mean? Andy - When it comes to song meanings or the

meaning of the band’s name I don’t like to give a concrete answer because it takes the ability away from the fan to make it something personal to them. It’s much better for a band or a song to make you think of a time or place in your life than to be stuck with something only being one way. How can you connect to something if the meaning I give you has nothing to do with anything you have been through.

the real meaning behind the name. At some point, I am sure we will share that meaning, but for now... we enjoy having people guess and wonder what it’s about. Barbara F - Why the odd spelling?

Andy - Two reasons. 1. To make you ask que-

stions. One focus of this band is to make people question and not just accept what they’re told and 2. It was a typo that ended up making sense. Paul and my girlfriend where having a conversation via text and while discussing band names Absolute Conviction ended up getting spelled Absoulute Convixtion. I don’t know about you but I put soul in everything I do even the word absoulute. Ray - Why not?? Paul - Like Andy said, it just kind of happened, and

stuck. There is of course a larger meaning drawn from the mistake, but again, it will be revealed in time. Barbara F - Where are you all from? Andy - I was born in Fayetteville, NC. Corey - I’m from all over the place, I’ve lived in

so many states its ridiculous, but Charlotte is my home now. Paul - Charlotte, NC.

Ray - I’m originally from Providence, R.I. After

that, I moved to Miami Fl, and have now been in Charlotte for around 6 years. Barbara F - Why did you all get into music?

2930 Andy - I have loved music my whole life and it’s

all I ever wanted to do. Around the age of 13 I got my first guitar and started learning songs. I joined my first band at 15 and started playing shows for money around age 20. Paul - I’ve been around music my entire life. My

father is an audio engineer as well as a musician himself. Music came natural to me, so for me making the transition from aspiring musician, to musician was a pretty natural thing. I’ve had a deep love and passion for music as long as I can remember. Music has helped mold me into who I am, so at the time I started playing drums, I knew it was what I am meant to do. Ray - For me it is the greatest form of communi-

cation. I mean the ability to extract an emotional response through manipulating sound and time is something I am deeply grateful to be a part of. I could not imagine persuing anything else that fulfills me as much as music does. Corey - As long as I can remember, I could always

sing, it was just something that always came naturally to me. It took me quite sometime though to realize that singing and lyric writing is what I am born to do. I have always wanted to tell stories since I was a child and singing/lyric writing finally gave me the outlet I have been searching for to tell the stories I wished to tell. My lyrics range from very personal subjects to, political subjects, to the strange and surreal, but what is certain about all of the lyrics no matter what the subject matter is, there is always a story being told and a message to take away. Barbara F - Who are your influences and why? Andy - I have had many over the years. What kid

didn’t want to be Eddie Van Halen when they where little. I know I did. As I got older and discovered that music wasn’t just about how sick nasty you could make a guitar solo I discovered Billy Corgan. He showed me that music was much more than just a cool song. It could move you and make you feel something more than just happy. It could cry with you it could get just as mad as you and yes it could also make you smile.

Paul - First and foremost: my father, for instilling

a great deal of pride and passion for music within me. The first drummer I was ever drawn to is Nick Mason, but I wouldn’t say I have a favorite drummer, or musician. Danny Carey, Joey Jordison, Josh Freese, Dave Silveria...all of those guys are just amazing musicians and have had a pretty profound impact on my style, outside of musicians, I’d have to say Ayrton Senna. I’m drawn to F1 racing, and Ayrton had a huge impact on how I live my life and treat others. Corey - I have many musical influences but if I

were to narrow my singing influences down to a few individuals, the list would have to include: Corey Taylor, David Draiman, Claudio Sanchez and Maynard James Keenan. From a writing standpoint Claudio and Maynard have definitely inspired and shaped me as a writer, in many of my lyrics I enjoy taking the audience on an escapist journey to a different place, where they can both unplug from their everyday boring life, but at the same time are able to walk away feeling more in tune with the world. And from a performance standpoint I without a doubt take huge inspiration from Draimen and Taylor, when it comes to giving the audience a larger than life show that assaults them from all angles. Ray - Wow, that’s a big one. It would be easier

for me to say that I have been influenced by everything that I have come in contact with, good or bad. But for the sake of brevity I will keep it simple. As far as bass players who have had a major impact on me it would go like this....Steve Harris, Geezer Butler, John Paul Jones, Billy Sheehan, Cliff Burton, Jaco, Jeff Berlin, Percy Jones, Stu Hamm, Victor Wooten...just to name a few. As for music in general I like a lot of different stuff. Most of it has very little commercial potential but I love it just the same. I listen to a lot of classical (Beethoven, Liszt, Chopin, Paganini, Rachmaninov, Shostokovich, Stravinsky). Jazz Fusion groups like Mahavishnu Orchestra, Return To Forever, Brand X, Weather Report... In the rock/metal world: AC/ DC, Sabbath, Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, Slayer, Coroner, Death, Cynic and I am really diggin Blotted Science. Then there are the oddball influences like Scott Bradley or Delia Derbshire or even Ravi Shankhar. Also and most of all Frank Zappa.

Barbara F - What is the band out to accomplish?

Evil Dr. Q in his quest for world domination.`

As for covers: we don’t do many, but we are working on a few at the moment. I enjoy covering a song I have a personal attachment to, it always seems to make it mean a little more.

Paul - Helping Andy fund his quest for world do-

Ray - There hasn’t been a set way. We just get

Andy - Honestly I’m just trying to help fund The

mination. Umm, I mean the Evil Dr. Q;s quest for world domination. On a serious note: I’ve wanted to become a professional musician for years, and now I finally feel as those I am on the right path. I’m playing with the 3 most talented musicians I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing with. I hope people can listen to our music, and in some way gain something from it. If something I helped create can help one person, than I have succeeded. I would just prefer to help people on a much larger scale that we have so far, so we are going until we accomplish every goal we set out to do. Ray - To make great music and to attempt to give

people the same overwhelming feeling that I get when I go to a concert or when I hear a great piece of music. Corey - What I hope our audience takes away

from our music is that they are transported to a sonic world that expresses thought provoking lyrical content and sounds that they can enjoy on every level, whether it be intellectual value, for entertainment value or purely as kick ass rock music.

get together start talking about an idea then one or more of us will present a riff or a beat and we sort of piece it together from there. It’s been a really natural process so far. As for covers, each one of us will make a suggestion and we either agree or disagree and we either learn said cover or we don’t. It’s a refreshingly simple process that works really well. Corey - When it comes to what I contribute as a

writer I usually wait until the music itself is done being pieced together, before I contribute vocal melodies/lyrics. Once a song is laid out I simply let the music dictate which direction my writing and singing will take. I might have an idea on a topic prior to the music being completed, but when it comes to vocal melodies and even lyrics, I generally wait until I have the music to work off of. Barbara F - Who are some of your favorite bands/

venues in this scene?

Andy - Local Bands: SkinKage, The Jupiter Tide,

Barbara F - How does the band go about writing

material, and how do you choose which songs to cover?

Eyes Down, 8OTree, Lucky 5, Something Clever, Waking Tera, Consider the Source, Luna’s Lament and Schmegma, and Venues: Amos’ Southend, Tremont Music Hall, The Money, The “World Famous” Milestone.

Andy - As for covers we don’t do many but we

Paul - Bands: Eyes Down, Skinkage, The Jupiter

Paul - As far as writing goes, we work extremely

Corey - I’d have to say that at the moment I have

have been known to throw Stinkfist in the set list from time to time. Writing for me has always been the same. I want the music to make you feel something. Whether it’s anger or sadness or melancholy the song has to grab you and say something. well together. I’ve never witnessed 4 individuals come together so effortlessly for a common cause before in my musical career. It’s almost second nature at this point to construct a song and build upon that foundation until it reaches a point where you know that song has gotten to best effort, both creatively and emotionally that we could give it.

Tide, Waking Tera, The Reticent, and so many more that deserve mention but would take up way too much bandwidth. Venues: Amos Southend, The Money, Tremont, and I’ve always enjoyed playing at The Wizard in Hickory.

two favorite local bands, the first would be Eyes Down and the second would be The Reticent. Eyes Down right now has got to be the most entertaining and visually striking band I have had the privilege of watching and playing with on a couple of occasions.

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3738 Know that when you see an Eyes Down show you will definitely be entertained as well as educated by their song’s messages and their intensity. On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, The Reticent and their music touches so many different styles and genres and what I personally enjoy about their music is their willingness to experiment with different sounds and not worry about being thrown into one particular genre. Their music can range from the somber and beautiful, to straight up the dark and atmospheric. As far as venues go, I’d have to say the best performing experience I have had would be playing at Amos’ Southend, making it my favorite local venue to play at. Ray - Most of the bands we have played with I

have liked so far. Like SkinKage and Eyes Down, both of those bands can throw down. I also like what I have heard from Jupiter Tide. Seems to be a lot of talent in this area. As far as venues are concerned, I really liked Amos Southend. I’m looking forward to playing there again. Barbara F - What has been the toughest challen-

ge so far?

Andy - Many things. Being Homeless for awhile.

Big thank you to Paul and his family for helping us get back on our feet. Wondering how we’re getting to and from shows. Fighting with my 2 best friends. “Paul and Keely DeGroat.” Working dead end jobs just to try and keep this band going. Eating ramen noodles for dinner. Walking home from work in the hot sun and just basically doing all the things I don’t want to do just so I can have the few hours a week with 3 of the most talented guys I know. Corey, Paul and Ray. Paul - For the first 8 months we were a band I

was out of work. It got very discouraging not making money and not being able to find work, which definitely spilled into my creative process. Finding the right line-up wasn’t easy either, but I definitely appreciate meeting, and playing with some of the people I have so far. Ray - Coming up with money for new gear.

Corey - I think like any band in any local scene

our toughest challenge has just been getting the music out there for people to hear and to develop a following. We have been able to use current technologies like the internet to really help us, but at the end of the day, Youtube views can only do so much for you. You still need to hit the ground hard and earn fans the “old fashion way” in many cases, like playing shows and meeting people face to face.

I learned lessons early in life about the importance of capturing every moment because things change constantly. I became a photo freak and the more and more I shot the more I learned about myself and the more I learned about photography.

Interview

The Art Of BeMe Photography

When did you become interested in this field of study?

I would say that in High School I really started focusing in on photography. When did you begin your career?

- Ryze-Up Magazine

I opened the doors of BeMe Photography Studios in February 2011. In my heart though, I feel like I’ve been a photographer all my life. What makes your work so important to you?

So Brandy on a scale of 1-10 how would you rate your knowledge of photography?

I would say that I am a 5. I know enough about a lot to do what I love but there are so many aspects to photography that I don’t think anyone could say they are a 10. I’m still growing and learning and I probably will be for the rest of my life. Where did you study photography?

I went to Northwest School of the Arts when I was in high school and was exposed to many forms of artistic expressions. I was a photography and dance major. I got my start here and developed a love for photography at that time. My photography teacher taught me to see the world in a different way. I started on black and white film and when you view my portfolio you will see that I still have a strong love for black and white images. What helped you develop your skill in this field?

Having major life changes constantly coming up forced me to document everything.

I love sharing a person’s story even it’s for the hour I’m with them shooting. Being able to see a side of a person that may be hidden from the rest of the world is a privilege and so it makes me take my job very seriously. I have fun, now don’t get me wrong, but I’m not just going to take a crappy image and try to hand it off. I really want people to look at these images and say wow I can see my, laughter, pain, sadness…or whatever. I want them to feel something special. Who or what influenced you to become a photographer?

My high school teacher Mrs. Atkins really inspired me to put organization to what was going on inside my head. I really love old films as well and when I shoot I often go back to the visual images that impressed on my mind as a child. Is this a true statement to you “A picture is worth 1,000 words”?

Yes If yes, why do you believe this is true?

The power of visual imagery is crazy. The way a person stands, leans, laughs, or stares can say so much and mean so much.

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What does this mean to you?

Photography is one of those things that I feel chose me. I could never get away from it and think about scenarios and sets to shoot people in front of all the time. So photography means everything to me. It keeps me going. It inspires me to be better. Do you have a favorite photograph of your own work or anyone else in general?

I have so many favorites. I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t narrow it down to just one. How do you think modern photography has affected society today?

I think that photography and visual graphics shape our world drastically. When you think about it, photos and moving photography (video) is what makes us get up and go to Wal-Mart or Target. We buy a car because it looks cool, we choose to wear certain items because of how we see it styled in a magazine. We are all visual whores.

In order to capture emotion and expression in a picture, what do you do in order to attain this?

I have to connect with my clients. I don’t have to necessarily like you, or you me, but I have to understand you. I have to get how you tick. Once I see that I feel I can capture that emotion on film. When it comes to cameras does the expression you get what you paid for prove true?

I’m still figuring that out. It’s ridiculous to say that the technology hasn’t made a huge difference in speed and what you are able to easily capture but you still have to have a vision behind the camera to pull off a image with substance.

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Is there any signature style in your work that brands you from the rest?

I would say that my style is classic and quiet. It’s very introspective and simple. Will that change…maybe… but I think the simplicity of what I’m trying to bring out will always be there.

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Have you always wanted to be a photographer or was this a hobby that just grew into a career?

How about the struggles of being a mom and career woman how do you balance that?

It was a bit of both. I would imagine a life of a freespirited photographer and say wow that would be nice but I had no idea of what it would actually be like to maintain a business. So later in life I wanted to really get serious about my hobby and it evolved into what it is today.

I don’t…lol…I just try to remember that without my family I wouldn’t be who I am today and so I have to honor that and appreciate all of my attachments.

What makes a good photographer in your opinion?

A good photographer is someone who can take in as much as they put out. You have to have a point of view and not be afraid to stand up for it. What are your favorite pictures to take?

I love taking images of people especially women because we are so multi-faceted. In your opinion, what makes photography an art?

Art is subjective and is as much about the artist as the individual or subject of the art. So to take a good photo you have to have your heart in it and I think that’s what separates a regular snap shot from an artistic piece. It’s all about the motivation, heart, and purpose behind the shot. Film or digital which do you prefer and which do you think will survive the test of time?

I was a die-hard film person at first but now with the quality developments and speed of digital, it’s hard not be on the digital train. I think as human beings we are always going to find a way to visually represent our world and so I know something will be available from now on and I’m just going to continue to learn everything about the new tools that come out. What is your favorite brand of equipment to use?

Canon What motivates you to do what you do?

Life

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