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CeCe Peniston
Billboard Global Chart Topping Artist
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Table of Contents Page 3-4 SF1 Page 6-8 Eryn Bent Page 9-11 Shimmer Johnson Page 12-13 J.Locke
Page 15-18 CeCe Peniston
Billboard Global Chart Topping Artist
Page 26-28 Sapphire Faded Genes Band
Page 20-21 Superstar Kay Page 22-24 Life After This
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SFI
Multi-Talented Artist When did you first get into music? What was your inspiration Before I was born, my mother placed headphones on her expecting midsection playing various genres of music. This is where my journey began. When I was little, the coffee table was my keyboard, the broom was my guitar and I would drum on my mother’s pots, pans and furniture. Eventually, she placed me in West African drum lessons at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. I began writing my own songs at the age of nine and that is when I was crowned SF1 by an older cousin of mine who was also a songwriter. How has your music evolved since you first began creating music? I’ve always been in love with music and taking any opportunity to play and vibe with other musicians has certainly helped in my evolution as a musician. I played with the local Denver Marching Knights marching band, Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts and the African American Leadership Institutes: Jazz Garden. I attended Denver School of the Arts for high school and continued to foster that love for music and the arts. After high school, I pursued my higher education at Berklee College of Music and University of Colorado, Denver. All of these experiences are an integral part of my love story with music and my evolution.
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Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas? I am an artist that refuses to be put in a box. My genuine love for music instrumentation is evident in my ability to effortlessly infuse Hip Hop, Jazz, Afro-Cuban, Middle Eastern, Pop and Rock within my energetic sound and compelling live performances. What has been your biggest challenge as a performing artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how? I think in any industry, you are going to encounter obstacles. But you persevere! There have been hills and valleys. But the highs outweigh the lows. Along my path, I’ve been able to look at challenges as learning experiences and I’m grateful for those experiences because they have helped shape the artist, humanitarian and businessman I am and want to be. The legendary Quincy Jones says, “You make your mistakes, so you learn how to get to the good stuff,” and I believe that. It’s all in how you look at things! A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art.” Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art? When you live and breathe your craft, how can one suffer? Art heals, art brings love. Art brings emotional connectivity. I believe that there are certain levels of suffrage that can create art, but I do not believe that you must suffer for it. How do you feel the internet has impacted the music industry? The internet and digital age as a whole single handedly impacted and changed the music industry. While Illegal downloading songs in the early 2000’s made way for streaming platforms, causing a major shift in how we consume music, the internet also brought about social media platforms which makes it easier to communicate, connect and promote to fans. If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be? I would blur the lines of genres. Music is a universal language. There is no reason to place labels. Let music be music and embrace all the beautiful elements it brings. What is the best advice you have received? “If you don’t know the business, you will get burned.” I can look at the business and the music as two separate entities. My passion for music always outweighs the industry but one must know how to play the game. You hear countless stories of artists in the industry who failed to understand the business, and with that lack of knowledge, the industry can bite you. Tell us about your current project. Right now I am promoting my latest song entitled “Games” featuring Cleveland Jones! It was released on Big Top Entertainment’s Already On Compilation through The Orchard, a Sony Music company. It is available worldwide on all streaming platforms. Are you working on new music? An EP or Album? Yes! I am currently working on a handful of singles that will be released within the next couple of months and into 2022. Keep an eye out for them!
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How can fans-to-be gain access to your music and follow your career? Check me out online at sf1music.com. It is a one stop shop for all things SF1! Music, merch, videos, etc! Like, follow, DM me on all social media platforms. Type in SF1music and you’ll find me!
Bailey Elora Listen, Like & Download Bailey Elora’s new single: “DRUNK RN” https://linktr.ee/baileyelora Photo of Bailey Elora by Ricky Zastrow @coloradophotoworks
Eryn Bent
The Eryn Bent Show When did you first get into music? What was your inspiration I started singing at a very early age, and was inspired by Celine Dion, Heart and Disney songs when I was very young. In my teenage years, I started taking instruction and got more seriously into singing and performing at age 13 and was heavily inspired by Broadway musicals, most especially The Phantom of the Opera. How has your music evolved since you first began creating music? When I first started writing, I was a teenager and really wrote about the rollercoaster of emotions one feels as a growing teen, so my earliest songs were not very well structured but were filled with just pure naive emotion and teen angst. I try to put more thought and effort and work into the songs I write now, and go about writing in a more deliberate way. My sound has evolved from a folk/pop sound to a country/americana sound over the last 15 years as such. Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas? I do hold tight to being an autobiographical songwriter, but I feel my uniqueness is in my live performance. I’m incredibly passionate about the delivery of my songs, and singing them to people is my absolute favorite thing to do, and I feel that it shows in my performance. I get lost in it, and there’s a certain magic that the language of music only has.
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What has been your biggest challenge as a performing artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how? My biggest challenge as a performing artist is dealing with anxiety in a band setting. I am incredibly comfortable playing solo in any given setting, but throw my band behind me, and I get anxious. I do still struggle with this, not as badly as when I first started playing out with a band, but thankfully I have very patient and professional bandmates that deliver every time and work with me through that anxiety. Practice and communication are what help me overcome and manage it, as well as talking myself through what I’m feeling at the time. A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art.” Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art? I hear that phrase a lot, I don’t believe that anyone must suffer for their art. Sure, there are some dues to pay when it comes to any job. I feel that every single person on this earth suffers in one form or another, and sometimes artists choose to take that pain and turn it into art. I think my reframed statement regarding that would be “You must work for your art.” Some of my best songs were written in the happiest times in my life, but I still, no matter what, have to work at writing songs and making time to write and create. How do you feel the internet has impacted the music industry? As an independent artist, the internet has helped open up many doors to me that wouldn’t have otherwise been available, and I feel like that’s true of any music artist in the music industry. We’re able to reach fans internationally, live-stream shows to audiences worldwide, connect with other artists and musicians, distribute music digitally on multiple platforms. An endless amount of possibilities at your fingertips. If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be? I’d like to see musicians paid more royalties for their streamed music. What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today? And why? This was hard - but these 5 are definite parts of my life and soundtracks to major events that have played out for me throughout my life. 1. Wreck of the Day - Anna Nalick - I first heard “Breathe (2 am)” as a freshman in college (that Grey’s Anatomy episode!) while studying opera and vocal performance - I was just starting to play shows around town with my guitar and this was one of the covers I played at those shows. This whole album is a work of art, and Anna’s voice and writing is so inspiring and unique. Really was a part of my first steps into my career as a singer-songwriter. 2. Raising Sand - Robert Plant & Alison Kraus - my favorite album. I’m so excited to see they are releasing another one soon, but the production, the vocals, the songs, the lyrics - this album has been present at every point in my life, and “Polly Come Home” holds so many memories and emotions. Their vocal pairing is exquisite. 3. Dierks Bentley - Modern Day Drifter - it was hard to pick just one of Dierks’ albums as I am incredibly familiar with his whole discography, but Modern Day Drifter was a huge part of my life when I picked up and moved from Montana to New Mexico. That album helped influence my writing during that time and Dierks’ music really was the catalyst for my country sound.
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4. Dreaming Through The Noise - Vienna Teng - I went through a very raw and rough time mentally after my move to New Mexico, and I came across Vienna Teng’s “Blue Caravan” on a Robert Plant/Alison Kraus playlist. One of the best songs I’ve heard to this day. The whole album was something I l clung to during that time, it was an emotional support of sorts. Her skill as a musician and writer are on a whole other level I deeply aspire to. 5. A Tori Amos Collection - Tales of a Librarian - Tori is a beautiful burning flame of creativity and art and passion that I absolutely admire and idolize. This album is just a collection of some of her brilliant work, but she IS passion, and in my opinion no one comes close to her. What is the best advice you have received? When I was a freshman in high school, I was cast as the lead in the Wizard of Oz. I remember during our first rehearsal, I had a crush on the boy playing the Tinman, and was flirting during our scene. My director pulled me aside, looked me in the eyes, and said “Do you want this to be the (Boy’s Name) Show? Or the Eryn Bent show? Because right now, you’re making this show all about him.” That was exactly what I needed to hear. “No, this is the Eryn Bent Show.” It was good advice for that show and for my life - I have control over where my attention goes and what I set as priority. Whenever I need a quick adjustment I think, “Is this still the Eryn Bent Show? or am I making my life about someone/something else?” Tell us about your current project. “Red” is my third album that I have been working on over the last four years. My first two albums were done within a period of months, so the preparation and work and production that went into this album is far beyond what the first two albums received, mostly due to life circumstances and forcing myself to be patient about the process. “Red” will also be released with a visual album, so it’s a more intimate step inside of my life and inside of the songs. What’s next for you? I’m gearing up for the release of “Red” on October 29th and for a 2022 tour of the album. I am shifting my live performances to more stages, so I will be playing out more with my band. I’ve also started prep work for #EB4, so I’m hoping to get into the studio with the next album within the next year. How can fans-to-be gain access to your music and follow your career? The best way to follow me is on social media sites (Instagram, Facebook) or through my official website: erynbentmusic.com The easiest access to my music would be through streaming sources such as Spotify, Pandora, SoundCloud, Tidal, Amazon Music, Apple Music, etc.
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Shimmer Johnson Following Her Dream
When did you first get into music? What was your inspiration? Music has been a part of me my entire life. I started singing with my father Aaron when I was just 3 years old. We would sing on the weekend with family and record our favourite country songs. It was a great experience. As I got older I started doing talent competitions and at 18 got into my first cover band. At 21 I met my co-writer Corey Johnson and since then we have been writing originals.
You ask what my inspiration is. My inspiration is myself and my journey I am on. The type of music I write seems to connect with people at the core. I write about real life feelings and emotions that everyone can relate to. I like to think that people feel a sense of calmness when they listen to my music. To know that they are not the only ones that experience the feelings that they are feeling. Plus my music is very memorable and easy to sing along to.
How has your music evolved since you first began creating music? It has crazily evolved since I was a kid. I started out singing country music. Then I fell in love with pop music. I would listen to all the diva’s like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Celine Dion. They taught me how to truly sing. I always connected with their music inside my soul. I knew that Adult Contemporary Pop was the style that was my “true” me. In my teens I experimented with rock and grunge. Fell in love with groups like No Doubt and 100 Watt Bulb and singers like Kate Bush, Tori Amos and Alanis Morisette. When I started writing original music I went more on the contemporary pop rock edge doing a mashup of the genres. I still do that today! I finally found my unique sound after listening to contemporary christian artist Lauren Daigle. She inspired me to write my album “Inner Me”. Had I not had access to Lauren’s amazing talents on her album, I don’t think I would have ever written songs so personal like I did on Inner Me. Examples of songs you should check out on Inner Me, “You Keep Me Grounded”, “Priceless”, “Candle” and “Rise.” Plus I even did a contemporary rock version of the 1989 Billboard Hit Toy Soldiers, that was originally made popular. by Martika.
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Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas? I think what makes me unique is no matter what genre I am singing in, you can always tell it’s “Shimmer”. I like that my voice is unique enough that you can pull it out of the crowd. It can stand on its own and flourish brilliantly. What has been your biggest challenge as a performing artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how? The biggest challenge really is getting your music out there. It’s very hard to find promotion companies that are not scams. I have encountered so many companies that I wasted so much money on. Some claimed they could get it on mainstream radio and others said satellite and no one was able to come through with what they said. Most of the promotion ended up being just small internet stations. These are good to get music on to. But when your paying for one thing and getting another it can get very frustrating. A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art.” Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art? I don’t believe we should be suffering for our art. In 2020/2021 unless you’re signed with a major it’s hard to really make a lot of money unless you’re touring. Even touring is not working right now with the Covid 19 restrictions so many shows were cancelled. I own a production company and it’s barely staying afloat. Also with places like “Spotify” and other streaming services it’s hard to really make money. You can’t sell Mp3’s anymore really as everyone is on a subscription. The companies that are making money off the subscriptions are not really paying out the artists a lot of money. This is just one example. I have over 500K streams on my Spotify account and I made $2100 Canadian dollars off that. I mean $2100 is good money but not for 3 years of streams. I couldn’t live off what I am making from streams. Just not possible. Even though this is FT for me, I still have to work a regular day job to make it at the end of the day. How do you feel the internet has impacted the music industry? The internet has done many amazing things for us indie artists that are inspiring to be picked up by the majors. It has allowed us to get our art out there. It has also given us opportunities to get our music on Tv & Film. The only downfall is it is hard to make money off our music when all the paid subscriptions companies are unfairly paying out the artists.
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If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be? I would love to have syndicated shows on major radio stations. Where they bring out new indie artists to the mainstream listening channels. I think this would give us more opportunity to get heard. Most of the Iheart stations and other mainstream stations will tell me they love my album or my music but because I am not major they cannot play me. I think if your music is good and the station likes it they should have the option of playing it.
What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today? And why? My Top Albums I would say that really made a distinct change to the way I sing and write would be in no particular order: 1. Lauren Daigle - Look Up Child 2. Celine Dion - The Colour Of My Love 3. Alanis Morisette - Jagged Little Pill 4. Tori Amos - Little Earthquakes 5. Mariah Carey - Self Titled album and Music Box Album What is the best advice you have received? The best advice I have ever been given was from another songwriter. He said don’t leave your music just sitting on your computer, get it out there. Put your best stuff out with your name. The other stuff that’s just okay gets that stuff in catalogs for tv / film. Always be writing and putting new stuff out there. Perform and be you 100% in your music. Don’t try to fake a sound, just find you! I finally found my true sound in 2021 when I released my debut album Inner Me. Tell us about your current project. Currently I am working with record producer Ted Perlman. He has worked with some of the greats like Bob Dylan, Whitney Houston and more. I am stoked about our fast pop single we are working on right now called “Starts With You” which will be my first single from my new album. What’s next for you? I am looking at releasing a rock album at some point as well as my pop album. I want to be able to reach people in many different genres. I call myself a multi-genre artist. So I will keep holding on to that. How can fans-to-be gain access to your music and follow your career? You can check out my music on my website http://www. shimmerjohnson.com or you can click on my link to all my projects at https://lynxinbio.com/shimmer which has my links to my Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and more.
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J.Locke
Revealing Possibilities When did you first get into music? What was your inspiration? I’ve always loved music. I was always beating on something. Be it drums in the church or freestyling in a battle at school. It was natural. My first record came much later, but I can still remember as child being excited with sounds and melodies. My inspiration is life. It’s therapy. How has your music evolved since you first began creating music? Music is a craft that cannot sit still. It’s always changing and reinventing itself. I feel more comfortable with my craft today because it is 100% me. No filter, no lies, just me. I am at the moment. It’s freeing.
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Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas? The faces change, but the sound and creativity is very much the same. Because, I am free to express my personal experiences and ideas. It allows me to individualize the message and how I present it. I see a lot of Migo babies being pushed and tossed around. Everybody raps the same and move the same. It’s easy to stand out now-a-days. Just be original.
What has been your biggest challenge as a performing artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how? I think the biggest challenge we have today is being able to control your art and your price point. Streaming has been a blessing and curse. It allows you to be heard, but you get paid less than a penny for that freedom. A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art.” Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art? Your art is like anything else, it can be your saving grace or it can be your personal jail. It’s all in how you work it. I have suffered because there were times I did not know the value of my work. How do you feel the internet has impacted the music industry? Again, I think it is a blessing and curse. lol! Sure, it gives you access to the entire world, but it also cost money and a strong game plan. People with money control that vast space and try to give you the illusion of having that kinda reach, but in reality it’s no more profitable than you selling CDs in the 90’s. Sure we get heard but not as many see true profits from their work. If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be? Give it back to the artist. Let the true artist create. I would like to stop music from being weopinized and allow it to be in the hands of true creatives. At a time, you could not sound like another artist and you could not be fake. What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today? 1. Aquemni 2. God Sent Me (mines) 3. Mr & Mrs (mines) 4. The Roots 5. Like Water for Chocolate (Common) What is the best advice you have received? Be you. Tell us about your current project. I wrote “Grateful” during the pandemic. So, I had a lot of time to self reflect and grow. By far this is my best body of work, but it is also the most creative. I’ve become even more comfortable in my skin and in my creativity. I have this desire to visit Africa so that influence is heard. I’m connected to my people. I’m a wiser man. A father, all of this reveals itself. What’s next for you? I’m not sure what the future will bring, but I’m preparing for my legacy. I’m preparing to set my bloodline up for greatness. How can fans-to-be gain access to your music and follow your career? I have music on all digital outlets, just look up J.Locke and start with the MR & MRS album. Sidenote, this has been a great interview great questions. Thank you!! Also reach me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook at: JLockeSMG
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CeCe Peniston Billboard Global Chart Topping Artist
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CeCe Peniston rose to fame in 1991 when her hit single “Finally” peaked at #1 on the Billboard Top 100, going on to become one of the most seminal dance music songs in history. Winning numerous awards by the end of 1993, and scoring five major number one hits within three years, Peniston was named the Number #1 Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play artist in the world. In addition to her amazing career in music, Peniston is also branching out into speaking and acting, and is sure to be a force to be reckoned with, as she is a superstar in all she pursues. XS10 Magazine had a chance to sit down with CeCe and talk about her illustrious career. “Finally” is one of the most famous, anthemic songs in the history of music, how did you come to record it? I came to record it after doing background vocals for A&M artist Overweight Pooch, and that is where on a song called “I Like it” that the signature CeCe Peniston adlib came to life. I also worked on a song called “Give It All You Got” by Marvelous JC, and doing those two songs are what led to me doing the song that we all now know as the global anthem “Finally.” What have been your biggest challenges in the music world? The biggest challenges have come from me originally releasing music in 1991, where we had a publicist, record company, record deals and artists really got signed to labels. MTV and VH1 were actually video channels and it was more impressionable and considered really cool to have an air of mystique, where people did not know who you were personally. Now it is more in fashion and impressionable to have people want to know who you are, or they don’t want to know who you are, which means being vulnerable in social media and your private life. Instead of record deals there is streaming and reality shows….10 million downloads used to mean 10 million dollars, there is not a lot of money to be made from streaming. Royalties are almost null and void for many artists, which make them have to work that much harder.
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What have been your finest hours in the music world? My finest hours have and still are traveling the world. Since 1991, I have been in a whirlwind, and it has been and is amazing. I am constantly gaining more wisdom of who I am as an artist, and I love being on this journey. I have had the wonderful experience of performing for Pope John Paul II, at the inauguration of Bill Clinton, I was the first artist in history to perform in Africa after Apartheid, and I performed for the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. I have been fortunate to sing on the biggest stages with the finest artists in the world. I performed at Woodstock with Thelma Houston, Phoebe Snow, Lois Walden and Mavis Staples. The Wendy Williams show used “Finally” for the theme song of Season 9 for 9 weeks, and I was the first performer of the new season. I have been really
blessed the first performer of the new season. I have been really blessed in my career, have the greatest fans on the planet and continue to pursue my goals in entertainment. What do you enjoy most about performing live? I love to perform live. It is such a rush to look out in the audience and see a whirlwind of people in the crowd singing the songs that I helped create along with me. For that instant in time the audience forgets everything and just has a great time, and that is a blessing for me. When you perform live, it is in real time. You get to see how the audience feels and reacts to what you are doing. You can perform the same song different ways each time you sing it. The energy in the audience dictates how the moment will go, and many times the moment is incredible and comes out in an unexpected way. What is the greatest lesson you learned from your parents? I learned so many things from my parents. I think one of the most important lessons is to treat people like you want to be treated. I am always aware of this and have always kept to this notion. The world would be so wonderful if everyone worked on being good folks. I am always intentional with who I am. I understand you’re into fitness as well, can you talk about that a little bit? Yes I am…. I work hard at taking care of myself both mentally and physically. Here is a fun little story. I went to a naturopathic doctor and she told me that I have food allergies to beans, crab and some other foods I love to eat. I have to cut them out of my diet. I am also allergic to eggs, but I can eat duck eggs. It was an eye-opening experience. I work-out regularly, and when I am on stage performing in high heels and kicking my leg up high in the air while singing is the biggest work-out of all. Aside from still touring the world are you working on any new projects at the moment? Yes I am ….I have many. I have been working in the studio with the incredible artist Samira along with D Jay Steel and Maurice Goodrich on a new song called “Dance,” and I have a new song coming out on Sony called “City Lights.” I worked with B. Howard on a brand new song who in turn introduced me to Vick Martin who is also known as the Billboard Killer.
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I am also working on a new reality show coming to a city near you with live music and new songs. I have completed two movies and am working on a third one, and am participating in a women’s empowerment event with Tory Burch as well as doing more events as a public speaker. Lots of great things coming shortly. Knowing what you do now what advice would you give to baby CeCe? Make sure to be involved in your business. This is very important. When I began my career, I let my manager handle my business, and as an artist it is necessary to be involved in all aspects of everything you are doing. It is also important to network with people wherever you go. You will meet friends that last forever. What can we look forward to from CeCe Peniston in 2020 and beyond? There is so much coming…. acting, speaking engagements, live concerts, new music and more. Make sure to watch my social media accounts or go to my website for keep up to date. Tell us how you felt when you were asked to sing for Aretha Franklin‘s birthday party? It was a surreal moment in my career. Totally epic. I have always love her music, and when Tito Puente and I were performing my song “I’m Not Over You,” Aretha Franklin got up and started dancing. It was such an amazing experience. After that I was invited back for several other events. Many want to say that writing songs are kind of therapy for them. You write poetry about your life, what inspired you to do that? You know what, it just came out of me. I felt like I needed a way for people to understand how I felt both mentally and spiritually, and it worked. The official website for CeCe Peniston may be f ound at: https://www.cecepeniston.com Follow CeCe Peniston on Instagram: @cecepeniston and on Twitter: @CeCe_Peniston
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Team credits: Photography by Michael Creagh michaelcreagh, Creative direction and Styling by Mickey Freeman @mickeyboooom, Hair by Amira Jannah @amiraj6, Makeup by Eve Chen @melangenyc
SuperStar Kay Multi-Talented Artist
When did you first get into music? What was your inspiration I first got into music at age 8; from there it kind of snowballed. Initially turning into a hobby & then a career as the years went on. How has your music evolved since you first began creating music? I started off loving pure hip hop, now days I still respect that gritty hip hop/old school type sound, but I make radio hits. I just happen to be best at that. Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas? My ability to not only emulate anything I hear, but to do it better than anyone else around can… & to study each sound & pick it apart until I am that guy for it. What has been your biggest challenge as a performing artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how? My biggest challenge is probably being on stage. I’m not good with crowds.
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A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art.” Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art? I do. I’ve lost out on my most valuable years as far as a personal life,… Missed a lot of my kids first steps & so forth. That always sucks.
How do you feel the internet has impacted the music industry? It’s ruined it cause nothing sells now, it’s streams & there’s no real honor in it. There’s no real satisfaction to get 500K streams. Artists are faking that & getting buzz. Couldn’t fake purchases the same; you’d always know who was hot based on who they kept in the car. If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be? I’d eliminate streams. Completely. Make people go back to buying CDs. What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today? And why? I can’t name 5, but I’ll tell you my #1… which is Maroon 5 - Songs about Jane. It got me away from just rap & Rnb & taught me to listen to lyrics as well as instrumentation, made me feel like it was okay to express what’s in my heart & not just what’s in my head. What is the best advice you have received? The best advice I’ve received is to never back down, never give up. My shine might take till tomorrow, yours another 10 yrs. If I give up, I don’t have a chance. Tell us about your current project. Currently, I’m in the middle of 8 new projects. Some genre specific. Some collaborations with other artists, but all are a bit of something I haven’t done before. None will be released this year. I don’t think I’ll even drop another album ever to be honest, just mixes here & there. Are you working on new music? An EP or Album? I’m always working on new music, but a lot of it is music I’m creating for other artists. I wrote & write for a lot of people. My name isn’t always credited if you get me, but the checks always clear for my work. How can fans-to-be gain access to your music and follow your career? The best way is to check up on YouTube & IG. I don’t do much media outside of those two. SuperStarKay.com will link y’all to everything going on though too.
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Life Afer This Sight on the Horizon
What first got you into music? We all came from different bands before finding each other.
Who inspired you to make music? Our influences have a wide range of rock/metal. Our singer Matt is influenced by Corey Taylor, Chad Grey and Adam Gontier. Drummer Matt is influenced by Charlie Benante from Anthrax. Bassist Ray enjoys Jane’s Addiction and Ozzy. Guitarist Thomas is influenced by Mark Tremonti, James Hetfield and Dimebag. Our biggest influence as a band is Metallica. How would you describe the music that you typically create? We mesh all of our influences into our music. We strive to make high energy Hardrock/ Metal that sounds original and relatable. We like the heavy riffs, hard hitting drums, thumping bass and high energy vocals. Most of our songs start with an idea and then it snowballs into a full song. How did you come up with the name of the band? The band members all came from different bands and wanted a fresh start with Life After This. Starting new from this moment. It’s also part of our message. No matter what you’re going through or struggling with, just remember there is Life After This, This moment. Name all the band members and the instrument they play? Matthew Fritsch (Vocals), Matthew Johnson (Drums), Thomas Cheek (Guitar/Vocals), Ray Vitatoe (Bass/Vocals)
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What is your creative process like? We like to start our songs with ideas. Thomas will bring a riff or an idea on the guitar and we’ll collectively run with the ideas and build the songs that way. Sometimes our songs start with a bass Idea, a vocal phrase, or a drum pattern. We like to feel each other out in real time and ALWAYS have a recorder handy when the ideas are going. If we all like our parts together and individually, we’ll keep the song.
Who would you most like to collaborate with? Chevelle, Metallica and Mudvayne to name a few. If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be? We’ve had the opportunity to open for a lot of our heroes. Scott Wieland and Anthrax are the top 2 for our band so far. Chevelle would be a great show to open for! Foo Fighters as well. What is one message you would give to your fans? No matter what you’re going through in this life, just remember there is Life After This. This moment will pass. What is the most useless talent you have? Our Guitarist Thomas can fart with his eye socket. Do you sing in the shower? What songs? Brittany Spears of course. What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career? We can’t imagine not doing something with music in some way. We’ve all been playing for so long it’s in the DNA. Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favorite venues? We really enjoy playing at Bogart’s, Thompson House, Madison Theater, Madison Live, Riverfront Live, and Urban Artifact. Least favorite? Hard question to answer: we always make the best out of every situation. Do you have any upcoming shows? We had a spot to open for Drowning Pool on September 8th but it was cancelled. Booking shows as we can! How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business? The internet has definitely given more control to the independent artist. You’re your own PR business, Label, Social Media Manager and Accountant. You are in control of your own destiny. All the tools are out there. The internet gave power back to the consumers and Creators. The downside is the payouts are not much until you start hitting millions of streams. People are paying for the relationship with the artist. You don’t have to buy music anymore. It all comes down to the LIVE show!
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What is your favorite song to perform? American Dream. Which famous musicians do you admire? Scott Wieland, Scott Lucas, Pete Loffler, Randy Rhodes. What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into? We’ve had the cops shut our shows down a number of times. Noise ordinance is no fun! What is the best advice you’ve been given? Learn the business side of the music. Playing the music is only 10 percent of the business, learn the other 90 percent and keep pushing. If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be? The music industry is always changing and now at a faster pace. It’s gotten better in terms of being in complete control of your rights and songs. One thing that could change is possibly the labels sending more A&R people back out to scout talent instead of just going off of Social Media numbers. What’s next for you? We’re working on recording another EP. Excited to write and get back into the Studio again! Thanks again for selecting us and our video “Identity Dilemma” for your program! We are a Cincinnati Hardrock band that blends aggressive rock n’ roll energy with melodic harmonies. Is there anything else you need from us? Please reach out, thanks!
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Erin Sinead @peachy.booboo
Photographer: Doug Mungavin @dougmungavinphoto Location: Riudoso, New Mexico
Sapphire Faded Genes Band All Heart & Soul
What first got you into music? I have always been attracted to music ever since I was a little girl. My mother says I have been singing since I was 3 but I can only remember the age eight. I was a very shy little girl and would sing when no one was around. I would imitate other singers and I’d try to sound like them which have taught me much of what I can do vocally now. December of 2019 I decided to sing over some Christmas tracks and record them. I had gotten some great responses from people but my friend Jeffery Lites inspired me to write my very own music. I was a bit hesitant because I was at the time trying to put my own band together which was a challenge. January 2020 I began writing and preparing to release my very first album June 2020.
Who inspired you to make music? I have always had people in my ear telling me I should write my own music. I personally believe it is my time now. Over the years, I have gained much knowledge, confidence and worked on myself and my craft. I have always said that if I decided to take my work to the next level I wanted people to believe in me. It’s what inspired me and that is my own growth, life and those talented mentors along the way. How did you come up with the name Sapphire Faded Genes Band? Believe it or not, Corrine Bailey Rae is one of my favorite entertainers. She wrote a song titled “Put Your Records On” and in the song she says it. I always loved that song and it stuck with me. My birthstone is Sapphire and I absolutely love faded jeans. In fact, the older the jeans the better they are rips and all. I used it as a metaphor for my band. The older I get the more seasoned and better I sound “Good Genes”. Can you name the members of your band and the instrument they play? John Tiberi (Bandleader/Keyboardist, vocals) Greg Lefevre (Bass) Felix Perez (Guitar)Bill Vespe (Drummer/vocals) Hector Rios (Percussions/vocals) Ryan Warfel (Saxophone/vocals) Blondy (Trumpet/Flugelhorn) Bill Murray( Saxophone, Alto, Ewi, Electric Horn)
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How would you describe the music that you typically create? I have a unique style and have learned how to touch hearts of ALL! I create music that captures everyone’s attention
regardless of age, gender, nationality or style. It’s never a dull moment because I am always creating. I enjoy music from all genres and since I market myself as such this allow me endless opportunities. I am a multi-versatile artist who enjoys singing RnB, Jazz, Rap, Pop, Blues, Gospel, Reggae and Big Bad Music. I have been told my voice has a combination of both a sultry jazz and soulful RnB sound. What is your creative process like? For me, it varies. It depends on a factor of things. I may hear a melody at a very weird time and I will immediately record it or write it down. This will allow me to create around it. Or I may be inspired by something I have seen during my nature walk, reflection walk, my run or simply being still. All of these important things help me create. Also, I will have a track and I will close my eyes while listening to it. This allows me to focus on the title of the song. The title plays a huge role for me. It sets the tone. I have even heard things while taking a shower. So it depends on the situation at the time. Who would you most like to collaborate with? I would love to collaborate with H.E.R, Jill Scott, J Cole, Jay Z, Kanye West, Norah Jones and more. It’s endless with me since I enjoy all genres of music. If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be? Jazmine Sullivan, Mary J, Maroon Five, Stevie Wonder who is my all-time favorite entertainers and H.E.R. What is one message you would give to your fans? Always be true to yourself. You are your biggest cheerleader and if you believe in yourself you will always be on top of your game. What is the most useless talent you have? I would say singing Opera. I would love to learn how to sing Ave Maria. I was taking lessons just before we had the shutdown. I wanted to incorporate that song with my show. I will eventually learn to do that song. Do you sing in the shower? What songs? I do sing in the shower. In fact, I sing My funny Valentine, At last and I do throat warm-ups and exercises in the shower. What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career? I am an educator and have been working with children for a very long time. I am presently a Principle of a private school in Philadelphia. I have many other talents too. I eventually want to have my very own skin care line. Something I have been planning for a couple years now. I want to write a children’s book and do an animated cartoon using musicians as the characters for voiceover. Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows? I have performed at a lot of beautiful venues with other bands locally. Now it’s time for the world to experience Sapphire Faded Genes and we plan to tour the world. I am excited to announce that my Music Release is set to take place Sep tember 26, 2021 held at Roxy Hall & Bistro located in Philadelphia. This will be our very first show and the wonderful opportunities for everyone to see me perform my original music live. My favorite places to perform were at theatres, Kimmel Center, Cathedrals. I would love to perform at Carnegie Hall. My worse places to perform were at sports bars and clubs. How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business? It has its pros and cons. I appreciate the fact that I can be seen and heard all over the world. I dislike the fact that I have to depend on someone to view my material in order for it to go viral. I love that I can create and control my business with
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the help of the internet. I have learned that it is best to always remain relevant, positive, professional and focused at all times. What is your favorite song to perform? I am excited to perform my opening song, “All Woman” and “Grandma’s Porch”. Both songs are very personal and meaningful and everyone can definitely relate to “Grandmas Porch”. It brings back special memories that everyone can identify with as a child. Which famous musicians do you admire? I admire Stevie Wonder. He is such a breath of fresh air. I never tire listening to his music and his messages help me cope with life. His style is like no other and I appreciate him for his amazing artistry. It has helped me in every way imaginable. I also admire Corrine Bailey Rae for creating the most beautiful music. I enjoy listening to her messages. Her style of writing has helped me in many ways. She is a poet and she tells these amazing stories that allow me to reflect. I actually ran a half marathon while listening to her 2006 Corrine Bailey Rae album. I love Diana Ross for her poise and professionalism while on the stage. I have watched her mannerisms for years and always said that I would work on my craft so that I could one day demand the same attention. What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into? I had a house party as a teenager my mother caught my friends and I drinking beer in my room. Other than that I was a pretty cool kid. I stayed away from trouble. What is the best advice you’ve been given? My mother always told me to keep God close and trust him. Keep my mind on everything I do and keep it moving. Everything is not going to be easy but if I follow those steps it will help me get through. Everybody is not my friend. If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be? I would definitely change the way artist get exposure. I don’t think that creative artist should have to beg people to view their works. If you are talented then you show be able to be seen. You are judged on your views and not your talent. What’s next for you? Only God knows. I put my trust in him. He knows what I am doing and he sees the hard work I am putting in.
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