THS-SUMMER 2025 Joyce "Fenderella" Irby

SUMMER 2025 SUMMER 2025 ISSUE ISSUE

MAGAZINE PEOPLE IN PEOPLE IN MUSIC: MUSIC: RASPBERRY SKY RASPBERRY SKY JAY LOCKE JAY LOCKE DALLAS A. DALLAS A. FRAZIER FRAZIER

INTERVIEWS: INTERVIEWS: KALONDA KAY KALONDA KAY VINCENT MOORE VINCENT MOORE MEET COACH MEET COACH STACEY STACEY

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

JOYCE “FENDERELLA” JOYCE “FENDERELLA” IRBY IRBY I MISS YOU

The HeatSeekers Magazine Founder/Publisher/CEO

Teresa B. Howell Managing Editor

The Heatseekers Content Director

The Heatseekers Photographers

Instagram, Google Contributing Writers

King Brooks Kisha Green Robin Shockley Desirae L. Benson Kenyatta Ingram Queenie Clem

theheatseekers.substack.com theheatseekers@gmail.com.com @theheatseekersmagazine

ADVERTISING & PROMOTION TB Productions Media Group TeresaBProductions+ads@gmail.com COPYRIGHTS The Heat Seekers Magazine is owned by Teresa B. Howell and Teresa B. Productions. The magazine, its staff and writers, has made sure that content is accurate on the date of publication. The views expressed in the articles reflect the author(s)’ opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or editor. The published material, adverts, editorials and all other content is published in good faith.

All rights reserved. Nothing can be partially or in whole be reprinted or reproduced without express written permission.

Table of Contents 3 5 From the Editors

Letter from the CEO-Teresa B. Howell

6 KALONDA KAY-RECAP THS Interview

9 Dating and the Single Mom 11 Tasteful Tips & Trips Kisha Green

Robin Shockley

JOYCE “FENDERELLA” IRBY Page 24

13 Vincent Moore-Taste the Craft

19 Indie Artist of the Month

Celebrity Chef

Raspberry Sky

16 Is Tubi taking over?

23 Meet Coach Stacey

Kisha Green

Founder of Sculpted By Stacey Fitness, Inc.

17 The Music Zone

Spotlight 27 Artist Dallas A. Frazier

JAY LOCKE

Klymaxx is an R & B/Pop allfemale band formed in 1979 out of Los Angeles, California.

They were best known for their hits such as “ I Miss You”, and “The Men All Pause”.

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Letter from the Founder and CEO

As the Founder and CEO of The Heat Seekers publication, I will continue to spotlight individuals in theater, film, music, and literary works. The THS team works diligently to ensure that every story, ad, review, and feature will be unique and diverse for all readers. We are now a 2022 recipient of The Atlanta Hottest award due to our fresh and intriguing editorials. I am honored and privileged to have an award-winning magazine that sparks the interests of readers worldwide. We are spotlighted in over 19 countries and an estimate of 10K readers each year.

Thank you for your continued support as we continue to show the world that we can enlighten, educate, and praise others by pushing them to their greatest potential. We thrive on lifting each other up and helping all to evolve and shine. We are the light of the world and we will continue to push, motivate, and inspire others to BRING THE HEAT. I am a Heat Seeker with extraordinary talents. So help me celebrate the others within this publication that are also HEAT SEEKERS with extraordinary talents too.

Teresa B. Howell Editor,The Heat Seekers Magazine FOUNDER and CEO/EDITOR/CREATIVE

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THE HEAT SEEKERS MAGAZINE 4

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By Teresa B.

Spending the day with...

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Teresa B: We are excited to interview today, thank you for being with us. But tell us a little bit about yourself.

Kalonda Kay: I was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. From an early age, I was immersed in the entertainment world thanks to my grandmother, who was deeply involved both locally and nationally through her work with Black Media Coalition. I had been singing since early on, but I started in Opera as early as age, I believe, five or six. I was too young to even remember, but I was singing at the Fox Theater every year for the famous play The Nutcracker. I’ve also always danced. Also, my mom kept me heavily involved in everything entertainment.

Teresa B: How did you start singing?

Kalonda Kay: It’s in my blood and so now I am a national recording artist. I also host my own DJ show at a local radio station as well.

Teresa B: That’s a lot going on, good stuff. How long have you been acting?

Kalonda Kay: So, acting is my new venture. I started in theater. I would say since 2011. I’ve done a lot of theater stage plays but my first film was last year with Carl Anthony Payne II. That was my first time doing a movie/film next to a celebrity. So, you ought to know I was sweating. lol

Teresa B: Yes. Yes. I can only imagine.

Kalonda Kay: Yeah, that was new for me. But I received a lot of great feedback, A lot of people said this can't be your first time. I’m just blessed I guess to house a lot of different talents that I didn’t even know that I had within myself as well. So, acting is new, but I am continuing by taking classes with Miss Tracy Britain who has worked with many major, celebrity actors and actresses. She’s produced a lot of major television shows and movies. And so, I’ve been working with her one-on-one for the last few months. I’m excited about what’s next for me in the world.

Teresa B: Okay, Awesome.Who has made the most influence on your career? And why?

Kalonda Kay: I would say right now, I must acknowledge my producer Joe Capo Kent. He has worked with a lot of amazing individuals and he’s a three-time Grammy nominated. he is amazing, but he has not only been my producer, he’s poured into me and guided me. Sometimes that’s all you need someone to say, “Hey, I got this resource”, “Hey this is how you do this”. He has truly been influential. Every artist that I meet, everybody I meet in interviews, and everyone that I get an opportunity to talk to are influential. I ask questions, I dig and if you put me in front of a face, I’m like, “Can you tell me or can you give me some insights?” So, I am in no way shape, or form shy to ask those who come before me. I don't mind asking, “How can I be a great artist?”, “How can I be amazing?”. So, while on this journey, I must acknowledge my producer who has truly, truly helped me along the way and also my publicist. Without those two, I wouldn't know what to do.

Teresa B: Right. Your publicist is amazing. I love her.

Kalonda Kay: Yeah. She is.

Teresa B: In your opinion, what would you say is the number one key to success?

Kalonda Kay: The number one key to success I would say is to keep going. There’s gonna be moments where it seems impossible. It seems hard. It’s frustrating. You don’t see the results. You think you're supposed to see, and you don’t even know how to get to this place that you’re trying to go. Keep going because there’s a breakthrough, and somewhere when you have your own goals, you can accomplish those goals.

You’ll see it. So, you will never get there if you quit. We shouldn't look at things that don’t work out as a failure. We should look at them as an opportunity to redo, regenerate, revive, and then do it better.

Teresa B: Talk about the biggest failure you had what did you learn from it?

Kalonda Kay: Biggest failure? That’s hard because I don’t look at things that don’t work out as a failure. People often say “Girl, when are you ever sad or down or out because you walk around like this every day?” I look at things that don’t go the way that I thought it could go or should go as a moment to retry it. It’s a moment of opportunity and so for me, I face many challenges as far as running into wrong people who may have said they know how to do this. Trusting and having high expectations for individuals has always been my thing because I’m a person of unity. I’m a person of love. I’m a person of honesty. And sometimes my expectations get in the way of what is reality with people. But, I would have to look back and say that my most challenging moment is having high expectations for individuals when they are truly not worthy any of that.

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Teresa B.: What does a typical day in your week look like?

Kalonda Kay: I am a business owner, too. I own six businesses. I sat down and had to go through everything yesterday. I had a meeting with a financial wealth planner because my goal is to be a millionaire.

That part of what I do every day… I get up and I work as early as five am. I don’t sleep late. It doesn’t matter what time I go to sleep. I’m up lively with my cup of coffee. I am working on the computer while working on one business at a time. And then once I’m done, I venture into my radio stuff. I am a heavy planner and I like being organized as best as I can. Last-minute things do not sit well with me. I use my calendar for everything. And so that is my typical day. I’m working until it’s time to go to bed. And sometimes I’m working in bed with my laptop on my lap.

Teresa B: What are some non-entertainment-related things or experiences that have helped you become a better person in the entertainment industry?

Kalonda Kay: Wow, I can say that having a great job in administrative work helped and shaped my organizational skills. I worked in Social Services for eight years. Working in that field has truly opened my eyes to what I didn’t want for my life. It helped me see the turmoil, the suffering, and the struggle. I wanted to create an Avenue for myself in multiple ways. I wanted to live my dreams, I didn’t want to live with regrets. I would often see people come in and choose the wrong career or choose the wrong life, which let them back to where they’re in the office asking for help. So for me, that was something I never wanted to do. That truly helped shape my direction.

Teresa B: I’m about positivity. So, this is doing it for me.

Is there anything else you would like us to know about you?

Kalonda Kay: My career has been the most successful it has ever been and I am grateful. I am at the most celebratory moment of my life at age 40 and the mother of two wonderful children. It is possible to do everything that you want to do. I just say there’s no limit. I think like a giraffe instead of a turtle. To be able to see the stars and be able to look up and see over the trees, that’s how I think. I just hope that everyone else thinks that way as well. I hope that I continue to be a light in a beacon for those who think that it’s not possible.

Teresa B: How can we reach you?

Kalonda Kay: Yes, I can be reached at kalonda kay.com.

That is my website. But I am on all social media streaming platforms at Kalonda Kay Instagram, and Facebook, I’m building on my TikTok. You can also reach me at the Radio mix show that is on YouTube, and Facebook.

You can email me at RadioRiotmixshow@Gmail.com and that’s the same for kalondaKayENT@gmail.com.

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DATING AND THE SINGLE MOM Written By Kisha Green

After the finalization of that divorce decree, I often dreamed about going to different nightclubs to dance like no one was watching. Chocolate and caramel gents would send over tequila shots with the hopes of getting to know me better while dancing the night away with a selectively appealing stranger. We would fall in love, ride off into the sunset, and live happily ever after.

That was a fantasy because my cell phone was eerily quiet after the ink dried. As if that rude reality check was not enough, my romantic needs were starting to feel the remnants of the drought, and no matter how many times Rosie came out to play, it was not enough. While sitting in the Starbucks drive-thru most mornings, I often wondered if this could actually be life.

After six long and dessert-like months, loneliness was creeping in. I was trying to get comfortable, and it was time to make changes. I decided to join a dating app with plenty of fish.

A kid-free weekend with several bottles of wine, a charcuterie board, a Spotify playlist, new selfies, and a dating app sounded like a perfect plan to reclaim my spark—that would not require me to leave the country and return married.

That idea was a bigger joke than me thinking that a waist trainer advertised on TikTok would make my pandemic weight gain look nonexistent. Immediately upon completing the registration process, messages came from Thomas, Richard, and Harold, but we needed to remember ManMan, Charlie, and Hakeem, who had somehow slipped through the cracks.

The profile stated that this dot com diva was dating with a purpose: to be matched with qualified men and at least meet the height requirement. As a 5'10 female, Mr. Right or Right Now must be at least six feet. The app must not have understood the assignment because there was an influx of homeless and jobless men under 5'8.

Not trying to sound shallow, but damn, the odds were definitely not in my favor, especially since heels were a girl's best friend.

I was convinced that God had a sense of humor when the latest prospect that the app suggested was a Reverend with a foot fetish who lived with his mom and had no car but was currently enrolled to get his GED. He was very handsome and quite the charmer as his messages always read like poetry, but he was 58, talking about shopping his Gospel Rap CD to record labels. I'm still wondering why that was considered a suitable match.

I will never forget Andre. He walked me to my car after a beautiful dinner and great conversation at my favorite steakhouse. As we continued talking, he invited me to sit in his car and listen to a new mix he had created as he was a professional DJ before working for the railroad. Thirty-two seconds into the music, the boy unbuttoned his jeans and asked me if I wanted to give him some head before he got on the parkway to go home. I looked at him like he had antennas on his head and stared in shock, then gracefully got my ass up out of the car and got in mine and drove home and deleted that app from my phone.

I know that the love story being written for me would not end there, but after all these failed dates, it was hard to view the glass as half full anymore; please stay tuned; it will get better. (I hope)!

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Not everyone enjoys seafood, but it has become one of my fa- vorite styles of food. While traveling through the small town of Burlington North Carolina one weekend, I saw a billboard of a restaurant called the “Red Crab’’. It is located at 3123 garden Road in Burlington. I had heard of this restaurant but have never visited as I’m very skeptical of chain food places.

However, this turned out to be one of the best experienc- es and seafood tastings that I’ve had in a long time. Upon arrival the atmosphere had a boat and a huge shark in the middle of the place. It looked like a great area for picture poses. Since, this was my first time visiting the server was very informative of what choices were good to choose.

To begin, I had the fried boom boom shrimp appetizer served with a sweet sauce and mini fried crab cakes. They were huge and crispy. The selection of food choices were interest- ing. They came in three steps. Step #1, you got your choice of crab, shrimp, snow crab legs, blue crab, mussels, (green or black) lobster tails, scallops, or clams.

Step #2, you then choose your sauce; cajun, lemon pepper, garlic butter, juicy special or all of the above. And finally the last step #3, you were able to choose the spice level which includes; no spicy, mild, medium, hot or extra hot.

There were other weekly spe- cials too.

“Tasteful Tips & Trips” is not just an ordinary food blog! It’s about fun, adventure, and a lot of tasty foods as I travel to places along this journey called life. I am all about traveling and experimenting with food flavors and the mixtures of them. So what better way to spread the word to others about places that I visit and help promote businesses?

If you would like for me to visit your venue or restaurant, please email the name of your restaurant and location. You may just see me show up unexpectedly one day with my big smile and appetite!

Robin Shockley is the Founder of “Focus Forward with Robin,” along with being a food blogger for reviews. She is a columnist for magazines, a talk show host, actress, Public Re- lations Agent, Humanitarian and Community Servantlead- er. She is also a Public Speaker and Author. She believes there is freedom to move forward in life to think, believe and achieve anything.

Contact Robin for future bookings and reviews. If you would like her to host your event or be a speaker to help empower your audience, you can email booking@robinshockley.com

After having a difficult time choosing because photos looked so appealing, I chose the Red Crab special #2, with crab legs, potato sausage, and shrimp. Everything had a specific flavor that beats out any seafood boil that I’ve ever had. My mouth was watering with every bite. I definitely will be craving this chain restaurant on a regular basis. I give this location, service and food a five star.

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SHINE OF THE MONTH

Vincent Moore-Taste Vincent Moore-Taste The The Craft Craft Interview by Interview

by Teresa Teresa B. B. Howell Howell

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The Celebrity Chef-A Generational Legacy The Heat Seekers: Tell us how you got started?

Vincent Moore: Unknowingly…through my mother and our long-standing New Orleans culinary generational legacy. Starting at the age of 6…I was usually getting into some type of rebellious trouble and as discipline I was given a choice of watching a series of my mother Allegretta Julien-Moore’s favorite “Daytime tv soap-operas” with wide-open and awake enthusiasm, or help her in kitchen food & cleaning prep work instead of looming monumental slipper whooping. Well…. I knew the soap operas would put me to sleep…so kitchen helper it was! So what started as punishment; opened the doors of my young rebellious mind to learning creative generational family chef culinary secrets and the love of creating unique “making something out of nothing” southern delicious dishes. Many of these core culinary delights having evolved from established past and newly current legacy family restaurants in New Orleans; The Praline Connection, Barrow’s Famous Catfish, Loretta’s Pralines.

THS: At what age did you start cooking and realized it could be your career?

VM: At the age 7…when my mother opened the cabinet and said make the family something to eat.

Let me put it this way; in my family… we still laugh & talk about how bad someone made a dish 30 years later. So I went with a favorite of mine; Southern Creole Shrimp & Grits…it was a hit! I realized at an early age I would be able do something with this culinary gift, but did I mention I was rebellious kid so I need more of life’s seasoning to fully embrace this God given talent; so I created dishes for friends, family, and local causes only.

HS: How long have you been working with celebrities?

VM: As you know…culinary gifts for black folks aren’t what we do, but a major extension of who we are; it really is one of our love languages and expression of gratitude in serving others. So food definitely can start friendship with other artistically creative people; which we refer to as celebrities. I began working with gifted folks first as the VP of online broadcast promotion in 1998 with independent music artist and film makers which carried those relationship to this current date. As the Legacy Chef; from 2018 THS: Do you have published recipes?

VM: I have copyrighted culinary creation/recipes; with plans to negotiations the best access for folks.

THS: What keeps you going?

VM: Realizing I have been the gift as one of my family generational culinary gatekeepers; and each recipe I create and work with famous, not so famous adults and kids on the joy that food does in our lives.

THS: Who inspired you in the food industry?

VM: My (Late) Mother Allegretta Julien-Moore and Grand-Father Lawrence Julien THS: If you had to do it all over again, what would you change?

VM: Of all the experiences, mistakes, failures, joys, and successes that has and will mold my life; I got to say….be a better listener and be more grateful of others continuously.

THS: How can your fans reach you?

VM: Main Independent Custom Website: www.TasteTheCraft.net (not .Com, but nothing but the Net) If you so choose ….this will connect you to my soulful cooking videos & recipes and other artistic & cultural link resources happenings.

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Things to do in ATL Summer is the best time of the year. I enjoy the sizzling of my skin in the day and the cool breeze circulating over my head at night. I have found so many fun things to do during the summer session. Atlanta, Ga has several main attractions that can keep you busy.

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Is Tubi Taking Over?

By Kisha Green

Have I grabbed your attention? Well, there is some truth to the title because, for many independent writers and filmmakers, Tubi provides a platform for many to turn their dreams into feature film realities.

In the last four years, Tubi entered the scene and quietly built a catalog of black independent films, and this was needed, especially if you were a viewer tired of the typical Netflix and chill. In contrast, Tubi showed movies with people of color from all over, and some were natural, and others needed to take a few acting classes, but they had a story to tell. Tubi gave them a platform when others treated the film industry like a gated community where only the elite was allowed entrance.

Tubi showcases diverse talent combined with the programming of 40,000 films and television series from over 250 providers, including Fox and its affiliates, with over 65 million monthly active users.

Tubi has become the home to a lot of actors and actresses that have become fan favorites, such as Jamal Woolard, Mena Monroe, Murda Pain, Kaamal Hasaun, Crystal the Doll, Shelby Leigh, Demaris Harvey, and Markeiva Albritten. These once unknowns have become very familiar, and viewers will agree if Tubi movies are not starring those mentioned, it must not be a good movie.

Enter the plot twist as the beautiful and talented Mena Monroe steps from in front of the camera to behind the camera and writes and directs her film If I Can't. The film becomes the most popular movie on the Tubi (men and women lie, but numbers don't) but also brings actor Tristan Fazekas to becoming the most hated man on Tubi for his role as Scott. Popularity for an indie film was significant, especially for a female in a male-dominated industry. If this is just the beginning, the future looks very bright for Monroe and others like her who wanted to get their films in front of an audience; thanks to Tubi, she got 65 million. Salute!

I watch a lot of Tubi; personally speaking, my film dreams became a reality as I have two films currently streaming on Tubi, Coke Queen and The Last Bet, so I, too, am proof that hard work and resilience pay off, but that wasn't my first time working on a film as I worked a co-editor, and proofer for Tabari Sturdivant's LOVE KARMA currently streaming on digital platforms.

Not only is Tubi supporting the indie film scene but is a massive supporter of series too, as independent filmmaker Silk White has found success with his Black Excellence series as well as his latest blockbuster, All I Want Is You starring Claudia Jordan, Crystal the Doll along with another Tubi fan-favorite, Lemastor Spratling that tells of a woman who is willing to risk it all when another woman tries to take her man.

Fans raved all over social media as they eagerly awaited the sequel. And, of course, once a person enjoys your film, it piques their curiosity to check out other movies by the filmmaker.

White is not a one-trick pony as before cinema; he was a best-selling author from NYC who transitioned from books to film with his series The Transporter, and It's Lonely At the Top along with New York Times Best Selling Authors, Nikki Turner's, On Da Run, Tressa "Azarel" Smallwood of MegaMind Media with the release of All In and The Available Wife, and Jaquavis Coleman's; Everything Is Both to name a few.

There's no doubt the creativity and quick production makes Tubi a force to be reckoned with currently. Originally people heard Tubi and thought its low budget, but as of late, that has changed as the quality of films and series has improved. The Dirty D series has a huge following, and Chris Stokes and Marques Houston are leaving their film footprints with the success of The Assistant, Best Friend, No Way Out, and The Stepmother franchise while finding the perfect place for reality star turn-actress Erica Mena, who has mastered the art of playing crazy and psychotic.

Tubi is legit with accompanying hashtags, memes, and Facebook Groups to support movies and dislike for some with complaints stemming from bad wigs, makeup, baby hair, and BBL's gone wrong, who should star in the next Tubi film and more, but one thing for sure is that they are watching, and that is all that matters.

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www.reallygreatsite.com

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THE MUSIC ZONE

THE FUTURE OF GOSPEL MUSIC

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PRODUCTS & SERVICES

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE NEWS . WWW.TBPRODUCTIONS.COM

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RASPBERRY SKY

INDIE ARTIST OF THE MONTH Chartered as the top 100 Contemporary R & B Artist on the planet!

WHO IS THE R&B VIKING?

Welcome to the World of Raspberry Sky – Where Soul Meets Legacy.

Raspberry Sky isn’t just an artist. He’s an experience, a movement, and a legacy in motion. Known for his powerhouse vocals, raw emotion, and electrifying performances, Raspberry Sky is a modern-day R&B Viking — blending timeless soul with fearless storytelling and genre-defying sounds.

“Unveiling timeless soul with a fearless storytelling”

Born from the fusion of inspiration and heartbreak, Raspberry Sky’s name pays tribute to his musical idols and a personal tragedy that shaped his life forever. “Raspberry” honors his deep admiration for Prince’s artistry, while “Sky” is a tribute to his best friend and brother lost to gun violence — a loss that fuels his fire to create music that heals, inspires, and uplifts.

From small-town stages to nationwide tours, Raspberry Sky has cultivated a loyal community of fans known as the #RAZBAES — a tribe of dreamers, lovers, and believers who ride every beat with him.

Because to know Raspberry Sky… is to feel something real.

Welcome to the journey. Welcome to the legacy. Welcome to the world of Raspberry Sky.

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Try our new Brandy- BLUE MAGIC

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JOYCE IRBY EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

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The Heatseekers Magazine Exclusive Interview

Interview by: Teresa B

JOYCE “FENDERELLA” IRBY-KLYMAXX

TB: At what age did you learn to sing and play instruments? Tell us how that all started?

I started teaching myself bass guitar around the age of 12. I had a regular six string guitar, but I couldn’t hold the chords, so I started picking single notes out on the lower strings, and that’s how I ended up on bass. I started practicing trumpet and ended up learning to read music. I also played tenor sax in my Reid Ross high school stage band, in Fayetteville, NC. Like most kids of my era, I sang in the mirror with a hairbrush. Then, I got a cassette tape player and sang into it and played it back, so I could hear what I sounded like.

TB: How did you first get into the music industry and what inspired you to pursue a career in music?

I was a fan of all the early Motown music, and I also loved George Clinton. I used to drive to different states in the south with my bass guitar and stand on the loading dock and play at the backstage entrance when the artists were walking in, hoping that I could sit with some of the professional bass players. George Clinton is one of the people who took a liking to me, and would always wave me in. Producer, Leon Silvers and label owner, Dick Griffey, from Solar Records, also noticed me, and made sure I got in.

Music was something I felt deep in my soul, and I just wanted to create it. I was born with that energy. I was going to do MUSIC, whether I ever made a dime or not, simply because I loved it.

There were three bass players I really wanted to get the opportunity to have listen to me play, which included, Larry Graham of Graham Central Station, Louis Johnson, of the Brothers Johnson, and Wyzard of the Funk rock group, Mother’s Finest. And I did get to sit and play for all three of them, and they played and showed me some things as well. At that time, it couldn’t get any better than that.

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TB: Where did the name “Fenderella” come from?

The “Fenderella” nickname came from the bass guitar I played, which was a black Fender Jazz Bass that my father bought me as a teen. I also had a Fender Precision bass as well. Ultimately I got a red Music Man bass like Louis Johnson played, because I wanted a bass guitar like the one he played.

In our "Men All Pause" video, I am playing my red Music Man bass. George Clinton loved the name and that really became my P-Funk identity.

TB: When you became part of the R & B group KLYMAXX at what point did you realize the long lasting impact you made with women formulating all girl bands?

Being in the group, Klymaxx, was a unique experience, to say the least. I think one of the most profound effects we had was empowering the thoughts of young women about their self images. We probably lifted older women too, who didn’t have some of our opportunities. Just like now, for me, I am proud and encouraged by the financial aspects of the gains women have made in business, science, entertainment and sports!

We got to promote positive female images.

We could be who we were, and we didn’t have to show a bunch of skin and shake our asses. That’s OKAY if it’s your thing; I don’t mean that in a degrading way, but if it is not your thing, you should still have the opportunity to be seen and heard. Some of us eventually got the opportunity to write and produce our own music. Today that is normal, but back in the 80s, there were very, very few women who got that opportunity.

Dick Griffey, the owner of Solar Records, which also had Lakeside, Shalamar, The Whispers, Dynasty, The Deele, Midnight Star, Carrie Lucas, etc., was responsible for allowing us to create our own path with our music. I find it hard to believe that there has still never been, in all of these years, another group like us, with national success.

TB: What was the best and worst part of being part of an all girl band?

I think the best part about being in an all-female band is that there was nobody, especially not with melanated women, doing what we were doing. We were an anomaly, something profoundly unique.

Some of the worst aspects was the simple, petty jealousy and insecurity, though not everyone, but eventually, backstabbing became more commonplace. I don’t believe these unfortunate elements were exclusive to women, but since we were all women, it was more disappointing to me personally.

TB: If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?

There may be a couple of things I would do differently. In October 1980 I charted on the CASHBOX national chart, as a solo female MC under the name "Fenderella" with a record called a “Wild & Crazzy Song”. Frankie Crocker at NY super station WBLS loved the record and started playing it on the radio in NY City. Other MC's and DJs in the 5 boroughs heard my record. At that time there were no other solo female MC's on the radio and the charts.

Miami based TK records pulled the song after a few weeks because I wouldn’t sign an inducement letter that said they didn’t have to pay me anything. I believe if I had signed, maybe I wouldn’t have gotten paid, but the value would’ve been priceless as the song probably would’ve made it into the top 10. And if so, I could’ve created other opportunities for myself.

Shortly thereafter, I didn’t think about it much anymore because a few months later I was in Los Angeles as a member of Klymaxx, with new opportunities.

If I'd understood the dynamic and the insecurities of all of us in the group, I may have been able to make a preemptive move to keep us together just to do one more great album… And then again, maybe it would’ve made no difference. I’m just grateful that we made a mark and that our MUSIC mattered to people.

TB: I’m sure you have traveled near and far performing.

What was your favorite place to go to perform?

My favorite place to perform is always Hawaii. I just love being there because of the natural geography and beauty of the place. I love the people. They gave us love for songs we didn’t even know were that big on the islands.

The song, “I’d Still Say Yes”, is bigger than, “I Miss You”, in Hawaii.

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TB.: Can you share any memorable moments or experiences that have shaped your perspective as an artist?

As an artist, I got a business education that I never could have paid for simply by watching our manager at the time attorney, Ron Sweeney, and Dick Griffey. Ron taught me you don’t get what you deserve; you get what you negotiate, if you’re lucky. Dick Griffey taught me that the power and the money in music is in songwriting, owning copyrights and producing. Thank you both for my education.

TB.: Can you discuss the creative process behind your music and how you navigate the changing TB.: What advice do you have for aspiring rap artists? trends in the industry?

My creative process is simple; something either inspires me, or I just start hearing an idea in my head. When I wrote the track for Klymaxx's first hit single, "The Men All Pause", I wanted to do a song that hit hard like a Rick James, "You and I", type record. As a bass player, I focus more on bass and drums, and in this case, it was synth bass. It took me only a few minutes as the bass line came quickly. I gave the track to Bernadette Cooper, and she brought it home with a brilliant lyrical concept..., and Klymaxx was on our way.

After observing how Dick Griffey built his superstar roster on Solar Records, I began to look for younger songwriters. If you have great songs, you can divide them among different artists in your camp. I signed at least two multiplatinum songwriter/producers in the early 90's, Dallas Austin & Jasper Cameron. Because they were almost an entire generation younger than me, it helped me stay current with the sounds they were using and their methods of producing with advancing technology.

Lawd! Everybody is a rapper and all too many sound alike. I will say this to any creative person, do it because you love it, even if for free. Use your words to tell your stories, or format other stories that you love, into some type of musical poetry. Most of all, be authentic and connect with people where their hearts and minds are...where their hopes and dreams are...where their triumphs and failures are...where their tears and joys are...use YOUR ART to communicate being vulnerably human...

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Your Feel-Good Soundtrack