XS10 Magazine - April 2020

CeCe Peniston

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Sadie Katz Ben Fausch + Brass and Gold Society Fred Padilla Michael Musto Fate’s Landing Freddy Zamora Simonetta Lein Two Feet Patrick Baldonado Edley Shine Loki Ojha Wicked Witch

Founder Michael Neely CEO Rasheed J. Neely Editors Aidem Media Group David R. Navarro Jimmy Star Eileen Shapiro Russ Ray

Contributing Writers Martha Samasoni Misty White David R. Navarro Trey Willis Jimmy Star Eileen Shapiro Edmund Barker Addison Coleman

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In memory of Kandi Dales, a good hearted friend.

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Page 19 Cover Feature: CeCe

Peniston

design&print

Table of Contents Page 3 Sadie Katz

Page 19 CeCe Peniston

Page 32 Edley Shine

Page 7 Ben Fausch + Brass and Gold Society

Page 23 Freddy Zamora

Page 36 Loki Ojha

Page 25 Simonetta Lein

Page 39 Wicked Witch

Page 12 Fred Padilla Page 15 Michael Musto Page 17 Fate’s Landing

Page 27 Two Feet Page 29 Patrick Baldonado

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SADIE KATZ One-on-One with Hollywood’s Coolest Actress Sadie Katz is an actress, writer, filmmaker and a modern scream queen, with roles in a number of gruesome and blood-soaked films like the Wrong Turn sequels and the upcoming Clown Fear and thriller Megan. I sat down to talk with her about her projects both in and outside of the horror genre.

ever go away, scary clown movies.

Edmund Barker: Your newest film, Clown Fear, has one helluva title. Can you tell us what it’s about?

Sadie Katz: Actually, originally it was called Circus Road, but the distributor Lionsgate picked it up—and obviously, when you’re promoting films, you need to make sure people can find out what it is. So, I don’t have a fancy answer for you, other than to say they wanted people to know what [the title] was right away. The movie is about people who are scared of clowns…I think, for this genre of film, there’s a ton of people who just want scary clown movies!

EB: A look at your filmography shows that you’re partial to horror roles, including the Wrong Turn series. As a big horror fan myself, I wanted to ask— what was the gateway drug that really got you into the genre?

SK: I did a film that was directed by Jim Towns called House of Bad, and it was about three sisters who decided to make quick cash and steal one of the boyfriends’ drug money. They go and hide in a family cabin in the woods, and of course, the cabin is haunted by their dad’s dead spirit, and the boyfriend is after them…that’s kind of how I cut my teeth on horror. The film did really well, and I discovered there was sort of an adrenaline rush! Doing horror films is challenging, you really get to do everything—there’s always a little bit of humor and levity,

EB: Yeah, scary clowns, kind of made a comeback.

SK: I know, right? I mean, It was such a big deal, and when that came out, I think it did so well that there was a surge of those movies. I don’t think they’ll

EB: They’ve crowded out the non-scary clowns, haven’t they?

SK: I know right? I’m a fan of clowns though, both scary and non-scary; I love them.

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there’s drama, there’s extreme circumstances…and EB: Uh…I don’t know. My parents kept me away from anything too spooky as a kid, maybe Raiders of the Lost Ark. SK: I begged my mom to see A Nightmare on Elm Street—begged and begged and begged and pretty much every horror film is life or death circumstances. You get kind of a high from that…it’s a drug, for sure!

EB: A lot of people have a scary movie that they see way too young and it sticks with them for life, like The Exorcist or Poltergeist. Was there any such traumatizing experience from your childhood?

SK: Oh God, what a great question! What was your film? I’m just curious. begged. Then I saw it, and I was freaked out. I think I was maybe in third or fourth grade, but I remember being absolutely terrified. my next-door neighbor was raised by her single mom, and they loved horror films. So they would always convince me to watch a horror film, and I didn’t want to because I was chicken. So, I watched a lot of stuff that scarred me, and I was definitely a baby—but I was a kid. And it was the eighties, so stuff like Tales from the Darkside, Tales from the Crypt, Monsters…all that late night TV stuff that was kinda like The Twilight Zone. Everything scared me, everything traumatized me! I could barely walk down the hallway as a kid.

EB: Seeing as to how you wrote Clown Fear along with starring in it, what was that creative process like?

SK: Minh Collins and I wrote it together—we were doing like ten pages [at a time] and flipping scenes.

He was in Florida at the time, and he came out here.

We only had a month to write the script, and I was

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working full time for American Ninja Warrior casting.

So I was writing in the evening, and I was very, very sick. I had the flu, and I wasn’t sleeping that much.

So it was kind of like a fevered haze, but I actually knew who I was writing for. All my girlfriends are in the movie, and I knew the actresses, so I had a lot of fun writing dialogue that I could hear coming out of their mouths, that was something that was really cool. I like writing dialogue with someone in mind.

EB: Do you have a favorite experience working with a director on a film?

SK: Gosh, I don’t want to say favorite, but recently one of my favorites is working with Thomas Churchill on Amityville Harvest. He’s very fun, and he kind of does the scenes along with you. So, I’m running from the vampire in the movie, and Thomas—he’s a stockier, bigger guy—he’s running along with me! So the cameras are rolling, I’m running from the vampire, and he’s running alongside, sort of screaming and side-coaching me. He really gets into directing, physically—like jumping out of walls and crawling.

There’s something kind of fun about that.

EB: I actually just interviewed him [Churchill] a while back. He talked about the house used in that movie maybe being haunted!

SK: Yeah, yeah! So, I don’t know if I believe in that, but everyone else did. I’m a skeptic, I don’t know if I believe in ghosts and stuff. But everyone else there was like “you’re out of your mind Sadie, that’s what happened!” They were very excited about it.

You know, I hope that ghosts exist, but I didn’t see any there.

EB: Yeah, I’m in the skeptic corner too, but you never know for sure.

SK: I mean, it would be cool. I want for it to exist.

EB: Speaking of directing, you’re no stranger to it yourself. You directed the documentary film The Bill Murray Experience, in which Murray himself appears. What was that like?

SK: Honestly—it’s so funny you said that, because I was just thinking how much I kinda miss having that project in my life. It was a documentary that takes place over a couple of years, cause we had to figure out where the hell Bill Murray was…speaking of magic and stuff, even though there was a lot of craziness going on in my life at that time, I felt like I was chasing Bigfoot or Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny.

So, there was a little bit of magic involved, knowing that tomorrow the phone could ring and this thing could happen…I think with this documentary, there was something different about it, because it wasn’t just work, it was more just something magical. People were calling me all the time, and it just became this ridiculous thing…wish I could’ve included more of that in the doc. I’d be driving down the road, see a sign for Bill Murray and wonder like “was I supposed to see that?” As silly as it sounds, it did add a lot of mystery and magic to my life, and I miss that a lot.

EB: What would your dream horror movie role look like?

SK: I really do love horror comedies, and Clown Fear is definitely a horror comedy—I don’t know if it’s billed as such, but there’s a lot of funny moments. So I would really love to do, I think, a romantic comedy horror. I haven’t really got to do that sort of thing, so I want a combination of that [with horror]—I loved Shaun of the Dead, I thought that was really great.

Anna and the Apocalypse was also really great, I wish I could sing and dance. Those two films look like they were so much fun to do—you know, it gets heavy to do stuff where you’re not having a little bit of fun with it. It’d be fun to do something like a musical, we’d just have to deal with the fact that I’ve really gotta do something about my voice!

EB: What projects do you have coming up that you’re excited about?

SK: Well, I have a film called Megan coming out, shot in Italy and directed by Silvio Nacucchi. I’m really stoked about it, and as for the question of what film I’d most love to do, that would be on the list. That’s kind of Misery meets Hard Candy, and it’s a revenge thriller starring Randy Wayne. It’s pretty scary, and I’m pretty crazy in that—it was a crazy ride to do! So, that should be coming out in the next few months. Amityville Harvest is a lot of fun if you’re a fan of your classic scary movies. You’ve got vampires and monsters, and I play a news reporter in it. That was directed by Thomas Churchill and it’s being distributed by Lionsgate. So, those are both films that are coming around the corner, and which I’m stoked to be a part of. And both of them should make you pee your pants, for different reasons!

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BEN FAUSCH

Photo Credit: Drew Carlson Photography

+ Brass and Gold Society When did you first get you into music?

I don’t know if I know of a “first”, it’s always been there.

My ma is a singer and retired music teacher. Her dad was a concert violinist and violist that played in the symphonies in Milwaukee and Minneapolis, and also played with the Oxford string quartet on the BBC a lot during WWII. His ma was a ragtime pianist that played piano in a ton of Midwestern silent theaters.

You could say music is literally in my blood.

We got a lot of musician’s “real talk” about the life, and he opened up a world of music; introducing me to Mingus, Dirty Dozen, Rebirth, and about 1000 other groups that high school band directors didn’t really show their kids at the time. Especially tubists.

Hearing bands do awesome nola covers of hip hop charts, hearing that sousa WOOF from rebirth, those bands showed me the tuba had more to offer than I had ever been shown before. All I wanted to be was a tuba rock star after that.

The first thing I did musically as far as I can remember: I took piano lessons at 6, and do remember the first song I wrote actually. It was called “thunderstorm” and it was just me mashing the low keys on the piano. Foreshadowing for my propensity for low instruments I think!

How would you describe the music that you create?

I’ll steal a term my bandleader Tung Pham used for the music we created in his band Gora Gora Orkestar for our collaboration with the Flobots for its NOENEMIES movement.

What instruments do you play? Which do you prefer most?

I play tuba first. It’s my 10,000 hour instrument. Got me a full ride in college, and is what I try to get gigs with these days. I also play bari sax, piano, bass, trumpet, guitar, ukulele, bass clarinet, and can rock a Hammond B3 or Rhodes if I have to!

“Brass Hop”

Who inspired you to pursue a career in music?

Most likely my high school band director Mike Smith.

He was a local jazz drummer originally from south side Chicago who’s now teaching one of the best marching bands in the country out in Ohio. He’s a seriously talented musician and teacher.

That wasn’t the first time I wanted to play the music I write, but the musicians I met through Gora and the music I wrote for them fueled my desire to write stripped down, gutsy, raw hip hop that could be played anywhere. It’s the feeling of grooving with a live marching band, surrounded by people as an MC gets the crowd going, all for a noble cause for the people.

In the words of my MC, Illse7en: “It’s magic.”

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in a gigging environment just because its not recognized as a virtuosic or “sexy” instrument.

I get lots of “hurr hurr” jokes about being slow, or not a “real musician” from all angles, but my favorite comment I get is “do you have a bass player” when I’m at sound check.

These jokes usually fade when people see me play, but even after 15 years of gigging, I was just asked at my own show if I had a bass player coming to play. This was last week! Definitely an uphill battle to prove myself as a musician to other musicians and the community, but all worth it to make jaws and pants drop, haha!

How has your music evolved since you first began playing music?

So much. Honestly I would say the thing I do the most now, compared to my early days gigging, is take risks.

When I play with good musicians I try to push myself, play out of my abilities, write lines leading into corners, play until I have nothing left and I’m bleeding (literally and figuratively). That’s where the creativity and new ideas come from. Think bigger and weirder and see where it takes you.

If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other drives you to stay in this tough business? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?

Joy by way of community. I don’t practice religion, and can be pretty introverted on my own, but music allows me to bond with the world in a deeper manner than I could ever do as a person.

The feeling of getting a whole room of people connecting on a deep groove or their favorite song is one of the few pure things to me.

Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in a genre overflowing with new faces and ideas?

To be honest. I’m weird as hell, and like to take things apart and put them back together with things that don’t make sense.

I try to take one feel of one style of music, and see how I can get a completely unrelated and disparate piece of music to work with it. It challenges the musicians I work with to get creative, and their abilities make a truly unique experience on the spot.

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What has been your biggest challenge as a musician? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

Being a tuba player has a wide range of challenges play. This was last week!

Really the best advice I can give younger musicians fighting for legitimacy is to do two things: Be nice. Always.

Take no shit.

A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art”. Do you agree with this statement?

And if so, how have you suffered for your art?

Well I’m classically trained, so yes I’ve suffered haha.

Seriously though, I think that there’s always a level of suffering because you have to always push to be a better musician. Always practicing, always listening, always experimenting. There’s always work to be done, and sometimes it can make you suffer a bit, but like so much in life it’s there to make you better.

Suffering can also be a huge source of inspiration, historically you could argue that some of the best art has come out of times when a society was suffering. I think suffering can open you up to pathways of intimacy as an artist, it can make you find creative ways to express the pain, and sometimes will give you new agency to explore those paths.

Which artists are you currently listening to? And is there anyone of these that you’d like to collaborate with?

I’m so inspired by hip hop and how it crosses over with so many different genres these days. Artists like Masego are creating beautiful cinematic landscapes, brass bands like Galactic are bringing in all kinds of MCs and soul groups to make deep south bangers, and electronic groups like EMEFE are using brass almost as an electronic instrument to add hardness to their grooves. I’m all about deep grooves and heavy production, and there’s so much creativity there in the industry these days, now that people don’t need 6 weeks in a studio to create music.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?

Musicians like to dog on the pay they get from services like Spotify, but honestly it’s an amazing tool.

The hard truth is, musicians have almost never made any money from album sales. Artists like Prince and Radiohead figured that out a long time ago. This is why they’ve released music by themselves or for free. They realized that albums are closer to advertising than product, that they were making albums to support fans coming to their shows where there is a lot more control over the finances. I encourage all musicians to learn about what Prince has done for the internet music industry.

Overall the internet has given musicians so many tools and outlets to share their music, find inspiration, learn how to record and produce their art, and find new musicians to work with. Sure there’s a bigger pool, but you’d be surprised how local the internet still is sometimes. I regularly connect with the Denver scene through social, and have found some amazing people that way.

That band gave me a lot of license to create deep grooves and learn how to get a big outdoor crowd going. A few experiences with MCs and collabs with buskers and street players and all I wanted to do was make hip hop you could play anywhere.

One day I was talking with my trumpet friend Randy Runyan, and we both expressed mutual love for a lot of these ideas. Randy has spent a lot of time in the Denver music scene playing with local MC legend Molina Speaks, and has met a ton of a-list jazz musicians and Denver MCs. A few phone calls between the two of us and we assembled some of the baddest motherfuckers in Denver to create a different flavor of hip hop.

We have horn players Randy Runyan, Ryan Sargent, and Michael Windham from Leon and the Revival, and local jazz greats Tenia Nelson, Aaron Summerfield and Alex Tripp holding down rhythm.

If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?

Honestly for the working musician, better unions and more of them. I think artists are tired of working for exposure, and even beginners should get a rate.

One part brass band, one part jazz combo, an amazing legendary MC named Illse7en up front, and we have a band that constructs vibes on the fly that gets everyone dancing to something between Robert Glasper, J Dilla, and the Roots.

Doing things like buying tickets for your own show, or slowly watching your pay get cut after gig by the venue, or getting kicked off a show over small potato issues just makes it harder to keep good musicians playing at a venue.

What’s next for you?

I have about 3-5 other types of bands I want to create in the next 5-10 years, but I want to develop Brass and Gold as far as it can. I’m not looking to take over the world, I want to create something truly unique and artistically relevant to the world, leave the mark, and create something else.

The good venues, even the small ones, pay musicians well and on time, because they understand a good band that keeps people in the venue can be hard to come by. Musicians in Denver don’t have anyone protecting them, and we all suffer because of it.

Who knows? I have an idea for a dirty polka band, and maybe something with some hair metal guys, we’ll have to see.

Tell us about your current project, Brass and Gold Society.

This has been cooking in my brain since 2004 when my first college tuba teacher Carson McTeer showed me Nat McIntosh’s group YoungBlood brass band.

These guys are famous in the brass band scene for pushing the definition of what a brass band is. They regularly collaborated with Talib Kweli, and Nat is a motherfucker on the tuba. First beat boxing on the tuba I ever heard. I would say every brass band has covered their song Brooklyn at least a few times.

Since then, I have done a lot of playing on the street with the Gora Gora Orkestar for so many activist causes. Fight for 15, Black Lives Matter, refugee support, Women’s March. The leader Tung lead us into all those events, such a great guy.

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What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today?

Here you go, 5 albums in biographical order: 1. Rage against the Machine - Battle of Los Angeles. Was the perfect answer to my teenage anger and my first true CD I ever bought. When I play tuba I’d rather sound like Tom Morello over anyone.

2. Boom Boom Satellites - Out Loud. Bought at a head shop that sold used cd’s and drugs in the back. This album had a dirty, grungy approach to big beat that took in a lot of jazz musicians. First time I had ever heard horn players on something besides jazz or classical music, or a pop solo. They were introduced as textures and influences to the sound rather than just ‘soloing’, especially on ‘Batter the Jam no.3’. Very Miles Davis for sure. Definitely spawned an early desire to do something different with band instruments.

3. Stanton Moore – III. First time I ever heard Stanton Moore(Galactic) or Robert Walter(Greyboy Allstars) on.

Tuba players need to listen to funky organ players more. I learn to play solos from noise artists, and funky ass basslines from organists.

4. Lianne La Havas - Is Your Love Big Enough? Truly one of the best songwriters I’ve ever heard. Complex haunting chords and a beautiful voice. This album along with The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, Badu’s Worldwide Underground, and Theophilius Londons’ Timez Are Weird These Days were the soundtrack of New York to me when I was working there. Her approach to music really opens up your ear and soul.

5. Masego - Lady Lady. This is the best recent album I’ve heard. I love cinematic hip hop that blends in jazz and soul, and the environments this album creates are works of art to me. Hugely inspiring. Shout out to Daymé Arocena’s album Nueva Era which almost replaced Masego. Best groove I’ve ever heard was on Madres.

How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?

We’re right in the middle of finishing our first ep, and I can guarantee its not what you expect out of a band with a tuba in it. That and a few singles will be dropping over the next few months. Follow us on instagram at @bandgsoc for the most up to date info on those releases.

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FRED PADILLA An American Actor and Influencer When did you first get involved in acting?

I got involved in the film industry in 2013. I was approached by an assistant director that asked me if I had ever been on a TV show or movie, if not would I like to be in a movie he was doing. The film was “Force of Execution”.

What or Who inspired you to pursue a career as an actor?

You know, honestly, the people that are closest to me– My Team. Such as my Mom, Dad, Daughter, Manager, Publicist and my Agent. They are the ones that believe in me. I have also learned a lot from principal casting agencies as well as others actors on set.

It never failed, when I felt like quitting, I would get emails or calls to audition. All these things keep me motivated to stay in the game.

What films/tv shows have you been involved in?

Which of them have been your favorite?

Man, I have been on quite a bit of films and TV shows! “The Messengers”, “Killer Women”, “Longmire”, “Deputy”, “Briarpatch”, “Sicario”, “Blood Father”…. to name a few. My favorite role so far has been the first TV show I was involved in. It was the end of 2013, I landed a role as an Undercover DEA on “Killer Women”. That’s when I was discovered and I realized that I really enjoyed being an actor. I got along with the principal cast from the beginning and it all just felt right.

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I’m sure you have met many actors along the way.

Can you share some stories with us?

Yes I can, this story I can will never forget. I was working security for security company at Tingley Coliseum for a UFC fight in Albuquerque, NM. I was ringside, our crew had just been briefed by promoters/sponsors, letting us know who was allowed to be ringside. Because we were front and center….

So, I was taking care of the exits for the fighters and I was at my post, when I saw these three guys coming towards me. One of them I knew was one of the promoters, then I saw two other bearded guys, one was a skinny guy that was behind the promoter. As they came to me, I was again briefed that if no-one had credentials or IDs no-one could get to ringside. So, the gentleman with the beard showed up, I pushed his chest and held him back. I looked at him and I’m telling him, “you can’t come in here, you have no ID, no credentials” The promoter had went in before him and passed me cuz I knew who he was, then he looks back and shook his head at me, like what are you doing? Then, as I was holding this bearded guy, I pushed him on his chest and I was looking right at him and I realized that it was Mel Gibson. He gave me his distinguished look, kind of like his “Brave Heart” look. Then, his manager looked at me, which was right behind him and asked me, “Do you know who this guy is?” I looked at my guests list and I said, “yes I do” and I apologized and said, “I didn’t realize at the time until I pushed you forward then I saw who you were”. Then, Mel Gibson

told me, “don’t worry about it, your just doing your job”. So, I let him go through. I knew that he was directing and making a film here in Albuquerque called “Blood Father”. Two days after this, I ended up getting casted as an inmate on this movie he was directing. So, I go and get fitted with wardrobe working security for security company at Tingley Coliseum for a UFC fight in Albuquerque, NM. I was ringside, our crew had just been briefed by promoters/sponsors, letting us know who was allowed to be ringside. Because we were front and center….

So, I was taking care of the exits for the fighters and I was at my post, when I saw these three guys coming towards me. One of them I knew was one of the promoters, then I saw two other bearded guys, one was a skinny guy that was behind the promoter. As they came to me, I was again briefed that if no-one had credentials or IDs no-one could get to ringside. So, the gentleman with the beard showed up, I pushed his chest and held him back. I looked at him and I’m telling him, “you can’t come in here, you have no ID, no credentials” The promoter had went in before him and passed me cuz I knew who he was, then he looks back and shook his head at me, like what are you doing? Then, as I was holding this bearded guy, I pushed him on his chest and I was looking right at him and I realized that it was Mel Gibson. He gave me his distinguished look, kind of like his “Brave Heart” look. Then, his manager looked at me, which was right behind him and asked me, “Do you know who this guy is?” I looked at my guests list and I said, “yes I do” and I apologized and said, “I didn’t realize at the time until I pushed you forward then I saw who you were”. Then, Mel Gibson told me, “don’t worry about it, your just doing your job”. So, I let him go through. I knew that he was directing and making a film here in Albuquerque called “Blood Father”. Two days after this, I ended up getting casted as an inmate on this movie he was directing. So, I go and get fitted with wardrobe

and during this, I come across Mel Gibson, he keeps looking at me and telling me, “you look familiar”. So, then we met up for lunch, they were on set, he asked me to sit with him and his manager. After a while, we were talking and getting to know each other, he realized I was a security guard holding him back at the UFC fight. He’s a cool guy, we got along pretty good.

What has been your favorite role, so far?

My favorite roles are pretty much any type of agency I believe I fit pretty well as far as a cop, military, FBI, DEA, Ice, Border Patrol. Pretty much law enforcement. I really enjoy those roles.

How has your acting evolved since you first became involved in the film industry?

It has involved quite a bit of acting classes, I have gained more experience on set as well as networking and getting to know the people behind-thescenes, the crew, assistant directors camera people, directors, everyone that’s behind the camera. I have just become a lot more comfortable on set.

If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other drives you to stay in this tough business? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?

I strongly believe, it’s pretty much all the emotions, because when I get an email, my emotions start to race. When I’m onset, I am passionate, my pride just takes over, when I talk about it, it overcomes everything and the joy that it gives me is a pretty awesome feeling and then, I also experience the frustration of trying to wait patiently to see if I get picked or not. It an be rough, many actors say you have to have thick skin. So, pretty much all of the above keeps me going.

Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in a genre overflowing with new faces and ideas?

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I think what makes me special in this industry is that I can easily change my appearance. I can look different for so many different roles. People tell me that I have a very unique look, which can make life a lot easier for casting directors.

What has been your biggest challenge as an actor? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

My biggest challenge is being close up on camera.

I’m a big guy, so the more I’m seen on camera, the more it makes comfortable. So, I believe have overcome it.

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?

In the beginning, when I first started acting it felt like I was suffering, audition after audition… but anymore, it doesn’t feel that way because I’m more patient now and I have an attitude like a wall. If it works out great, if it doesn’t, then there’s something else coming. Maybe even bigger. You got to try and stay positive.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the film business?

The internet has helped a lot, especially with social media. Using it as a tool, everyone can see what you’ve done and how you look. It has provided great exposure for me to show my talents and skills.

If you could change anything about the film industry, what would it be?

Nothing, I’m really comfortable the way the film industry is and how things are going. They look into it and they make their changes to fit everyone’s business.

If you could give 3 tips of advise to an upcoming actor, what would it be?

For an upcoming actor, I would have to say…

1. Get as much experience on camera as you can.

2. Take acting classes.

3. Always be prepared for anything that can happen.

How can fans-to-be gain access to you and follow your career? https://myurls.co/actorfredpadilla https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5097548/ Agent: Daniel Wurzbacher, 323-986-4499 daniel.w@artistsamongustalentagency.com

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Photo Credit: Andrew Werner

MICHAEL MUSTO

Going Viral on the Virus Going “Viral” on social media has suddenly taken on a new and ominous meaning. While Manhattan has become a ghost town and friends and family have adopted skype and FaceTime as a conduit for a dinner party, the public searches for advice, positivity and humor from someone they already look up to.

Enter....Michael Musto, esteemed journalist, author, television personality, LGBTQ advocate, critic, entertainer, and the Pride of New York City’s Nightlife. Michael is known for his work as a columnist for 30 years for The Village Voice, and has celebrated bylines from publications including the New York Times, The Advocate, Out Magazine, and many others. Currently he writes for NewNowNext.

Getting right into it.... how are you dealing with the Coronavirus horror movie that we are all starring in?

I feel like the old me would have made this all about myself. I would have been complaining nonstop. There is still that element for me, but I’ve matured a little bit to the point where I realize the importance of the shut down and all the various researches that are being made. The fact is that we need to conquer this. It’s horrifying and we don’t wanna go through something of the caliber it has the potential to be. I’m watching movies that I’ve seen 1000 times, I’m seeing them for the thousand and first time. I’m washing my hands so much that they are almost scabbing.

I’ve actually learned to use my oven for the first time. I had to fix my own toilet. I have tons of frozen food, tons of cans of vegetables.... One thing is, I realized how incredible my life was. I always complained about my life no mat-

ter how exciting it was. I always thought it could be a little bit more exciting. In retrospect, going to see Broadway shows, interviewing people, making appearances, going on trips, it was an extraordinary life. I will never complain about it again. If I ever get it back, I will just kiss the ground and feel very grateful. In the meantime, just like you I’m writing round up’s, celebrity reactions, plus writing a guide to some of the best movies to watch for escapism.

I remember AIDS in the early days, all the emotions we went through. There was grief, there was terror, there was rage about the miss handling, and I feel like we’re going through the same emotions all over again.

I have to agree with you there.

I mean there are a lot of differences, I don’t want to make an exact parallel to AIDS. That was mostly contracted by gay people and IV drug users who society looks down at as disposable or deserving of calamity. So, there was that extra barrier that people with AIDS had to face. But in this case the government miss handling is almost equal to Reagan’s botching of AIDS. Trump calling it a democratic hoax, making mistake after mistake by assuring the public that everything is fine, which is extremely misguided. Now we find out that there were five people in Congress, four Republicans who knew about the horror to come and they went and sold their stocks after a meeting. That is basically called insider trading. Martha Stewart went to jail for that. So, here are the people guiding us, people that are just trying to profit off of tragedy while lying to the public.

Saying everything’s OK and that the Democrats are exaggerating and hoaxing us, which obviously did not turn out

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to be the case. Literally, it started like dominoes, first this was canceled, then that was canceled, now everything is canceled. I totally get it people can’t come together in gatherings right now. Everything is postponed, let’s just put it on hold and we will catch up with it. Right now I can live without seeing another production of “Fiddler on the Roof.”

The way I see this is when it’s all over there will be a lot to do.

Yeah, and I’m never gonna pause for one second. I’ll be writing like a maniac to make up for lost time. I mean, people who want to be edged back in New York, it’s going to come back with a vengeance, but in a bad way because I think there is going to be crime and looting, unhappiness, unrest.... there’s financial devastation happening.

All the businesses are hardhead except for Amazon. So, many people are out of work, so many starving, people are devastated. This is one of the horrible side effects.

Creative artists are finding ways to make money or to keep entertaining through live streams, Facebook videos, but basically everyone’s livelihood is shattered. If you have any money in the market that’s gone. It’s very bleak. Of course, that’s not the main problem, the main problem is the health risk and the people that are dying, getting sick.

I feel that under Trump we are living in an Orwellian nightmare and now we have entered into a sci-fi horror film. It’s “Contagion” we are all starring in it.

There is some humor coming out of it too.

You know I’ve been one of those people. At first, I thought if this had happened about AIDS and people made jokes that wouldn’t have been cool, but the reality is we are all in the same boat now. We are all at risk. We are making jokes out of nerves. In the 80s the White House actually made a joke when AIDS was brought up. In that case it was someone of power who should have been treating that with extreme reference and urgency but tossed it off as a joke. I think that’s different than people on Facebook making nervous jokes, which are a little insensitive, but I get where it’s coming from. It’s coming from a real terror as this becomes more and more real. It’s different from aids. You can get this from just casual contact.

It’s different than anything that’s ever happened before. It’s different from 911, it’s different from hurricane Sandy.....

Yeah and we survived all that and I think we will survive this too. We all remember our parents talking about depression. None of that had any meaning to us because it was so long ago. But now we’ve been through way more than our parents. We’ve been through AIDS and 911 and now Coronavirus..... and so much other stuff. War in Vietnam, war in Iraq....

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Which movies do you recommend to escape ourselves in this climate?

It’s a good time for “Boys In the Band”, “Airport ‘75”, “Meet Me in St. Louis.” Nothing too heavy. Just go for pure escapism.

As a prestigious high-rated public figure, what advice would you give to people right now?

First of all, panic is your worst enemy. Just stay calm.

Worrying and freaking out is not gonna help anything, it’s going to make it worse. Secondly, learn to appreciate downtime, it’s a great time for yourself. Love yourself.

Protect yourself. Just lay there with your thoughts, or work on projects, go on Facebook, there’s kind of a new technological opportunity to express yourself. Maybe it’s a chance for you to finally help someone else. Go outside of yourself and reach out and help charities or those more in need than yourself, because there are always going to be people more needy than yourself. Just be careful and also be optimistic and appreciate life..... I don’t want to start sounding like a greeting card..... I often feel that I should kiss the ground just to be alive. I’ve had such an enchanted life. We have to bond together with a group hug only without touching each other..... we will get through this.

Follow Michael Musto on Twitter @mikeymusto

FATE’S LANDING Lori Diamond “Fate’s Landing” by Addison Coleman The phrase ‘timing is everything’ couldn’t be more divine, as the stars in New England have certainly aligned to create a new and exciting musical adventure. Let us introduce the newly formed band Fate’s Landing, a serendipitous blend of four members of two established New England bands - LDFA and Alter Ego.

Lori Diamond & Fred Abatelli, as an award-winning duo, have been delivering original, harmony-woven, acoustic, soulful performances and songs with a spiritual sensibility since 2007.

Bernie Geddry & Scott Lilliott have spent much of the last decade as the rhythm section for the 7 piece, compellingly harmonious, acoustic-rock cover band, Alter Ego. Both Bernie & Scott have shared their richly honed talents with a multitude of local and national acts.

Listen closely, as these musicians join forces to create a powerful culmination of their collective gifts.

They offer soul-stirring original music, as well as a vast array of fun covers (50’s-90’s) with an Acoustic Rock vibe with overt elements of R&B, Pop, Folk and even some Gospel & Jazz.

Catching up with Boston-based, award-winning songwriter, Lori Diamond about her newest musical project, Fate’s Landing.

Tell us why you chose the name Fate’s Landing?

Choosing the name was both a thoughtful and collective effort. The timing of the formation of our band was such an obvious synchronicity to us all. Fred and I were a duo, wanting to expand our creativity and sound by adding a rhythm section.

Meanwhile, Bernie & Scott were just wrapping up a near-decade long stint as a rhythm section for another local act, and they were hoping to stay together as a working unit. We all feel so grateful for the stars aligning for us all.

How is Fate’s Landing different from your duo?

While Fred and I have a long history in bands, we have spent the last 12+ years as a songwriting duo. This gave us great flexibility with all kinds of gigs and we are continually learning from each other. Just recently, we decided to go back to our roots, and expand our duo into a full band. It’s

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definitely different, as it changes the way we write songs since we now offer a more lively performance experience. That said, the band is really an extension of the duo, as our music still has the same backbone and influences. We were lucky to team up with talented folks who really understood our vision.

What genre would you consider Fate’s Landing to fall under?

Our influences are vast, but overall, we probably fall under the umbrella of Acoustic Folk-Rock, or Adult Contemporary. We’ve got overt elements of 70’s music influence, but overall, I’d say our sound is timeless and has broad appeal.

Is there anything specific you are wanting to achieve as a band? Is there a mission?

Our primary mission is always to make a connection with people. We strive to share our passion for music with authenticity and joy so that we may connect in a way that is bigger than all of us. Together, we want to put something great out into the world! It is also a tremendous honor to be able to support various charities and benefits, as we all believe it is a calling and a responsibility to pay it forward.

What types of venues do you perform?

Since we have a lot of options as to what kind of sound we can provide, we can play quite a variety of gigs. For instance, a festival or Brewery would call for the full-on sound, but a coffeehouse or listening

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room is very doable when our drummer employs percussion instruments instead of the full kit. We don’t limit ourselves to specific venues and we love having that flexibility.

Are there any plans to record?

There are definitely plans to record! We are head ing into the studio this month. As an original band, the new songs are already flowing, and we couldn’t be more excited. Studio work is a great love for us all, and we can’t wait to get in there and dig into the arrangements. It’s feasible that we’ll have a complete record out sometime in 2021.

Can we engage with you on social media?

We are actively creating a social media presence.

Our duo, Lori Diamond & Fred Abatelli, is established on Facebook & Twitter, with great help from their long-time friend and social media guru, Cindy D’Adamo of LadyLakeEntertainment. Instagram may have to wait for the moment, as our demographic is largely still enjoying Facebook. While Fate’s Landing is starting from scratch, we are absolutely expanding daily.

Where can we catch you performing next?

We are currently in the studio, but are just about to embark upon a full year of fabulous shows. We will be making the rounds at a variety of fantastic New England Festivals, Breweries, Wineries, and Coffeehouses. Please visit www.fateslandingmusic.com for all up to date tour news!

CeCe Peniston

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 ma jor 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.

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“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.

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 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

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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.

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

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

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World Health Organization Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Pandemic https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 CDC Frequently Asked Questions https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources Coping During COVID-19: Resources For Parents https://childmind.org

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FREDDY ZAMORA Emerging Singer-Songwriter When did you first get into music?

I First got into music at the age of 11. I started taking guitar lessons from the church band leader where I attended. Being a part of the church band is how I honed my skills and where I developed my skills as a musician.

What inspired you to pursue a career in music?

I always felt gravitated towards music, but I never truly thought I could make a career out of it until a teacher of mine, Tyler who at the time worked at Youth On Record, gave me the push and the motivation to begin performing live at events and open mics.

How would you describe the music that you create?

That’s a question I’ve always found hard to answer because I have created music of various genres and instrumentation. The music I create is a form of expressing feelings and moods inspired by the things I see, hear, and feel.

How has your music evolved since you first began playing music?

My music has evolved many times over the years.

Currently, the band I’m in, for Bailey Elora has made the way I approach writing music change almost entirely. I find my self writing choruses that have more harmonies than I ever have before and making sure that the Voice is at the center of it all. For the first time in my musical career, I have found people

whom push me to be better and have a genuine approach to the music I wish to create with them.

If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other drives you to stay in this tough business? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?

If I was forced to choose one emotion that drives me to stay in this business I would say it is desire. I choose this emotion because above all else the desire to make music and to be able to only make music is the goal for just about any artist. It’s as if life has put a desire in me to express my self through music and it is what I intend to do and what keeps me going in this though and competitive business.

Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in a genre overflowing with new faces and ideas?

I would say that what makes me unique in this industry as a performing artist is the approach I have towards music. This won’t sound very poetic and I will try to explain it to the best of my ability but I approach the music in a very sorta Specific manner.

I often find myself performing or creating music for someone. Every song is meant for someone different wether they are at the performance or not but it helps me connect with the music and express a more genuine and personal touch to the notes I play.

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How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?

Man, the internet has in my opinion been the most impactful thing to ever happen to the music business. I mean it has changed the way people release their music and even to how artists are discovered. I could write a book about how much it has impacted the business, but I feel like it has done more good than bad for the music business. It has become the most powerful tool for artists.

If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?

If I could change anything about the music industry, it would be the way music is recognized. The music industry has changed so much over the years, but the way it is recognized hasn’t. I feel these award ceremonies aren’t as inclusive to the many new styles of music being created, in today’s age in music.

What has been your biggest challenge as a musician/singer-songwriter? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

Like I said earlier, more recently my writing style has in a way changed entirely. I have for most of my career the music I’ve wrote started with a chord progression and then came the melody. The last thing to be written were the lyrics.

Now, I mostly write music with Bailey Elora and well it starts with an a cappella voice memo she sends me and says hey put some music to this and structure it and make it sound like a song. It has been quite the challenge and at first it was very odd feeling and it made it hard to connect with the songs. I have needed a lot of help from our bassist with the songs and I am now co-writing music more after that than i ever have before and has honestly made the writing process more enjoyable and frankly easier.

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 both agree and disagree. Like any career, it’s going to have its ups and downs. Thankfully, I have found it to have more ups than downs. I have definitely made sacrifices for my art, but it’s been good and the benefits have outweighed the suffering. I guess, I just enjoy all aspects of this business, because I have the passion for it. Music helps me see things in a more positive way.

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What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today and why?

Mi Sangre by Juanes, The Human Condition by Jon Bellion, Nightmare by Avenged Sevenfold, blue slide park by Mac Miller, and Unidos Permanecemos

by Hillsomg United. These 5 albums I feel are the ones that have inspired the music I create the most because they are the albums that have stuck with me the most. They in some aspect of my life have connected with me on a more personal level, than other albums I have heard. The message from each album has changed the way I think and the way I experience music, feelings, and just about everything In my life.

Tell us about your current project?

My current project, is a solo project. I’m working on an EP that is in Spanish and it has a singer-songwriter feel to it. I am currently finishing the writing process and hope to start recording this project soon. It is inspired by some of the closest people I have in my life and their stories of love, heartbreak, hope and regret.

What’s next for you?

I would say working with the band for Bailey Elora is where my next move is and will be for a while. I think we’re finally reaching this place of unity in our music and getting real close to discovering our own sound and what we hope to accomplish.

How can fans-to-be gain access to your music and follow your career?

The EP titled “All The Feels” by Bailey Elora is on most streaming platforms and ready for anyone to listen and enjoy. You can also follow my Facebook Page @FreddyZamoraOfficial for any news in regards to my current solo project that I hope will be ready for everyone to hear on most platforms later this year.

SIMONETTA LEIN Super Model, Entrepreneur, and one of Fashion’s Top Hundred Influencers Simonetta Lein strives to encourage women empowerment through her business and her charity, “The Wishwall Foundation.” Having left her native Italy Lein settled in Philadelphia and started her business from the ground up making it relevant in only 3 short years. We spoke to Simonetta regarding her journey...

What inspired you to leave your country where you already had a successful career and relocate to the US to start all over?

It was the craziest decision I have ever taken yet my guts told me that I was still young enough to do it, so I followed my American dream. Restarting a life from scratch can be frightening, yet it liberated me and gave me so much purpose, for myself and to help others. I wanted to be global and America allows you to do that, to meet people from all over the world and to become part of an idea, being an American, which went beyond anything I have ever experimented. I felt empowered being able to bring my roots but yet become part of this great country.

It is a decision that I would make again and again.

How did you become one of the top Hundred fashion Influencers?

Working hard on my photo shoots and my work ethic, bringing my ideas to the world through social media, often forecasting styles and daring to be bold at times. That started to be recognized more and more. I maintained my classy Italian heritage

with a twist of edge that I have learned in America. I think that has been the key to my success.

You do great things for people all over the world with your charity, tell us about it?

I receive many wishes on The Wishwall, and some of them are truly great projects that impact communities. Those are the projects that I look for. So far, I have been able to change lives in America, in the Philippines and in Africa with literacy projects, children projects, women empowerment projects about entrepreneurship, girls support, homeless support and medical support. Definitely being in America gave me the platform I needed to reach the world and now my mission is to make the world better, one wish at a time.

You also have your own business, what does that involve?

As a spokesperson, I represent brands. I am an entrepreneur at soul. My parents are both doctors but always worked for themselves and I followed their footsteps. I have also founded Ausonia Partners LLC to manage my personal business and my team is very active in all social media and authority marketing doing what they can do to help the careers of others. I am passionate about helping others behind the scenes as well, as I know how difficult it can be to be seen and to deliver your message out there correctly. So, I decided to use my 15 years of experience and try to make a difference.

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What’s your favorite fashion at the moment?

I love the comfy trend. The softness of faux fur and silky fabrics. Leggings and kimonos that are like a pa jamas, just put a cute top and you are fashionable yet comfortable. And sneakers have never been cuter.

What’s new in fashion for 2020?

Polka dots, fringes, ruffles are back. I love it. Bright neon colors continue to rule along with the opposite neutrals. There is space for every woman.

What has been your biggest challenge thus far, and what did you do to overcome it?

Definitely having to start a life from scratch in a foreign country, with another language and another culture. I just worked for it. I have studied, I try to understand better and to assimilate and respect my new home while bringing the uniqueness of my roots. There is no shortcut for challenges, you just have to face them. And if you are courageous enough there lies your victory.

What has been your biggest triumph?

To be recognized as one of the top women in fashion in the world. Started as one of the 100 top fashion influencers and then top 15 and then being recognized as one of the top 5 most influential people in fashion among other huge names who I esteem so much. I still feel like that simple and curious girl who was raised in a hippy kind of commune in the north of Italy surrounded by doctors, philosophers and scientists. My upbringing was very unique, yet very simple at the same time and based around culture. That is probably why I have studied so much and received three degrees, I never stop to be inspired to learn and be better. I am very proud that my fans can relate to my story and support me as I grow, yet I am always the same soul that my parents raised in a warm way, I am very proud of that.

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Big things. 2020 smells like victory through and through. For everyone. Not only for me. I want to see more people winning and be happy as the world needs happy people.

Who have you been influenced by?

My mother, my father and my husband. There are also many philosophers who given me inspiration, and I get inspired every day from my online community. Yet my immediate family showed me how they went through victories, losses, problems and rebirth.

Every day. I don’t believe in being a good person far away from everything, at least for myself I am trying to be at my best in the world that was given to me.

My family showed me this. My husband amazes me every day, by being just a good human being. Which is so incredibly rare and so fascinating, reliable, kind and strong. These are the people I look up to.

What projects are you currently working on?

My Tv Show The Wishwall aired via FNL network is expanding, from Amazon Prime now is worldwide on Apple TV. I am working to expand that tv project and on a new TV project very special to me.

Why is it important to you as a woman to empower other women?

My empowerment movement started from day one when I recognized the strength that women have when they join forces. I love to see other women flourish and I am excited for my projects in America and around the world for women and girls. The world is female. Period.

The official website for Simonetta Lein may be found at https://www.simonettalein.com

TWO FEET “PINK” New York based, platinum-certified rising superstar “Two Feet” has just revealed his brand new full length debut album “Pink” via Republic Records on March 13th, 2020. Two Feet’s (aka Bill Dess) velveteen voice and soulful guitar playing hits you like a raging tsunami and a gentle, fluorescent snow angel lying in the midst of a cool white avalanche both at the same time.

Priding himself on his electrifying live performances, Two Feet made his mark with the release of his viral sensation “Go Fuck Yourself.” He toured for sold out audiences in 2018 and plans a massive tour in support of “Pink” sometime this year. I had an intimate conversation with Two Feet regarding his career, his inspiration and future hopes…. He has an innocent quality of confidence and honesty that seems very refreshing.

Congrats on your new release, what inspired “Pink” and the rest of your song writing?

It’s different each time. Most of the time for me I have the chords, and the melody is written first.

Then I attach a lyrical meaning to it afterwards, because I can find the tone of the song lyrically after the music is there.

That’s generally how I do it. Sometimes I start with the drumbeat and then come up with a melody after that, but that’s a little bit more rare for me.

How did you arrive at the name Two Feet?

Honestly, I give a bunch of different answers for it.

Give me the one you like the most.

In the movie “Jerry McGuire” they were watching an old movie and the quote from the movie was, “there is an insidious disgusting monster that walks around the earth on two feet and it’s a human.” When I heard that line, I decided that was a good name.

That’s a good answer.

Thank you.

What inspired you to make a career out of the music business?

I guess, I decided this right after I left high school. I always had a thing for music and I didn’t really care.

You take the risk and you don’t think about it. This is what I want to do, I don’t really care what happens.

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I had a part-time job and I decided to commit. You have to believe in yourself.

Do you feel you were destined to be a song writer?

I think there is really nothing else I could do. I was never good at school. I was never good at following directions. I can’t really work in a scheduled environment so it was always going to be something creative.

played in traditional bands, Grateful Dead cover bands.... but this live show that we have now is just immensely complex. All the equipment added together is well over $100,000. We worked for almost 2 years to develop it the way it is. Honestly, I’m super bummed out right now because it looks like more and more stuff is getting canceled and it will be a little bit longer before I can show it to people.

If you could have your ultimate stage fantasy what would need to happen?

I guess I’d really like to sell out an arena on my own.

I’d like to sell out MSG, that would be an ultimate stage fantasy. I’ve played a bunch of arenas as an opener in direct support and stuff like that. I’m from New York so selling out Madison Square Garden would be an ultimate stage fantasy for me.

Even though all of these things are being postponed when this thing ends everyone is going to need and want to get out to see all the canceled concerts and music.

I know... it’s going to be like victory day after World War II. I think it might be bigger, totally crazy. The longest I’ve ever gone without playing a live show is maybe 3 weeks, so it really feels like a chunk of my identity has been robbed.

Do you have an idol or someone who influenced you?

Yeah. Prince and David Bowie. Prince even though he’s like crazy famous he is still super underrated.

Especially for his guitar playing skills. He’s just such an insane musician.

What do you enjoy most about playing live?

There is just a huge difference between rehearsing with your friends, which is still fun, and playing in front of fans. Even if you’re like an opener....it’s really weird....it’s like a drug! It’s the craziest high ever, playing in front of people.

If you could help me ask you any question in the world what would it be in how would you answer it?

I feel like people don’t ask me about my live set because my live show is super unique and different. It’s one of my most proud achievements for the past 16 months because before I started this project, I

Barring Coronavirus, where do you want to be in five years?

I hope to have a couple of MSG’s sold out.

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I think you will!

I hope so....

PATRICK BALDONADO Fashion Photographer Describe your photographic style?

I am a fashion photographer. I understand how to capture fabric movement how lines in the body if captured with great light and clothing designs create a strong image. My photos tell a story within the image. I capture essence. I see my subject.

How long have you been a photographer? 12yrs When did you realize you love photography?

Shooting with my children developed the love of capturing unique images What do you like most about Fashion Photography?

Everything is art! The Hair, Make-up, Clothing, Love Fashion Fashion is Art!!

What have you done recently to better yourself as a photographer?

Lense time!! Doing more work. Nothing beats experience. I stretch my art by shooting with different models and different situations. Different lighting skin tones needs of the designers etc. The more I work in the industry the more I learn, the better my outcome.

If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other drives you to stay in this tough business? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?

Passion.. I love what I do! I absolutely love everything about the industry.

Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a photographer in a industry overflowing with new faces and ideas?

I understand how to find my subject. I see them and can bring them out in a photograph. I build relationships with many of the people I work with, I get to know them as we work more and as a result, the photography gets progressively better.

What has been your biggest challenge as a photographer? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

Keeping up with demands in the industry. Schedule and deadlines… I am constantly adopting processes that help me grow in that area. Streamlining the process and following a strict schedule has helped me overcome and grow.

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?

Yes, of course. The price I pay for a single picture can be huge depending on locations, hair and make-up, travel expenses, the hours of scouting and possible hiking to locations etc. Everything comes together in the shoot, through to final edits and release.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the Photography / Modeling industry?

It’s easier to get your work out there now, I feel you have to have a very special product to make money in this industry now.

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If you could collaborate with any model or designer, who would you like to work with?

Model: Cher, Designer: Dior What is your current project?

Style Southwest Fashion Magazine’s growth and development. Our market place just changed big time with the coronavirus outbreak. So, my full attention is to still making this work.

What’s next for you?

I want to continue my work. I want to let people know I was “here”. So, getting my art more visible is a big goal of mine.

How can fans-to-be follow you?

Instagram: @pbaldonado Facebook: @baldonadophotography Photo Credits: Patrick Baldonado

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EDLEY SHINE Respected Hip Hop / Reggae Dancehall Artist When did you first get into music?

Music started for me when I was maybe 4 or 5 my uncle Palmy Lion use to have a record collection and sound system in our basement. My mom, aunt, uncle and grandmother migrated to Washington DC from Kingston, Jamaica. I can remember hearing my uncle playing Dennis Brown, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh amongst thousands of 45’s and 12 inches that was the genesis of me having a love of music. I use to hear soul music and country as well but Jamaican music was a dominate presence growing up.

Then about 1985 my grandmother took me to English Town New Jersey to the Outlets there to shop.

I had been hearing Hip-hop on the radio mainly DJ Franski on Balitmore radio for 1hr on Saturdays. I use to tape those shows and that’s where I heard The Message, Roxane Shanti and all the hip-hop that was in New York. NYC was this magical place to me when I was a kid but going to the English Town Outlets I first saw cassette tapes of hip-hop albums for sale. The first albums I ever bought were Public Enemy Yo Bum Rush the show and BDP Criminal Minded.

Then if my memory serves me correct my cousin’s girlfriend took us to the RUN-D.M.C. Rasing Hell tour.

I had burned a hole in that album and it never even connected to me that the music were real human beings. Just these voices coming from my cassettes that was shaping me into the man I would become.

When I was at the RUN-D.M.C. show I saw Rakim, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, Slick Rick, Beastie Boys

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and Fat Boys all the music that shaped my youth and I realized these were actual real people. When I saw how they were controlling thousands of people with their words, I left that concert determined to know what that felt like. And my thirst for everything Music, became an obsession.

What or who inspired you to pursue a career in music?

Once I hit my teenage years all I cared about was music. It was my way out of Not having all the things, I had to do without being in a single parent home. I felt that music was my spiritual connection to a better way of life. People go to college get a decent job work and die. I did not want that life for myself I wanted to travel, I wanted my mother to see the son she struggled to raise reach a higher plateau as she was a singer who gave up her dream to raise me. Plus, I knew I had a different identity, a dual culture that I wanted to spread to as many people as possible. See, back then Caribbean culture was frowned upon. Dreads were not fashion and I use to hear “your family is off the banana boat”, all the time. I wanted to use music as my weapon to break the arrogance of Americans and show them how dope Caribbean culture and its off spring hip-hop was together.

Tell us about your time with Born Jamericans.

I have told this story so much it’s like telling your old college days over and over again... I met Notch in my father’s record store in Langley Park, Maryland.

We had that mutual passion for making music. And when I heard him sing, I knew he had something. Me studying music, I knew with his voice and my contrast gruff voice, it would give us an advantage. It’s too bad that’s what the industry exploited in the end to separate us.

mixed into one. Not too Jamaican but enough for them to give it an ear not too American who identify it as Dancehall and Reggae they can actual understand.

Best word is Hybrid. This was against the grain when we started and the push back was real. Now a days everybody lives in that style.

We started collaborating and made a demo that our soon to be manager Kitt Walker gave to Leslie Cooney from Delicious Vinyl when he moved to LA. Notch’s cousin had a friend that lived in DC that produced, he was super talented by the name of Chuckie Thompson, who went on to sign with Puffy and produce Notorious B.I.G, Mary J Blige and others. But before he rose to super producer status, a Lil Hip-Hop Reggae group gave him their samples from our family’s reggae record collection and that’s what birth the Kids from Foreign album. We eventually got signed by Delicious Vinyl and Boom Shak Attack took the world by storm. I remember our first tour with Shabba Ranks, who I saw become famous from being in my dad’s record store, from his first recordings, till he crossed over. I saw his evolution and the blueprint he laid for all the artist after him. Now, I was sharing the stage with him. I saw how grueling touring was and all the trappings, money, managers, and groupies. It was fun, but it also scared the hell out of me. It did not feel real, I wasn’t use to all that attention but the more popular we got, the more I wanted to solidify our status as a premiere reggae act. I felt the love and I also felt the hate during our 5-year run. The Jamaican artist would embrace us, but we knew that was a double edge sword. I learned that the respect came from the perceived success which we didn’t have. The label kept dropping the ball and changing up distribution mid projects. People couldn’t find our records in stores. We would have popular records, but at radio no budget to get them into primetime. It took a toll on the group comradery and the seeds were being sown for us to disband. We separated in 1998 on tour with Shaggy and didn’t communicate for maybe 18yrs. And so is the story of the beloved Born Jamericans and a lesson I’ll keep with me forever. This game is not for those of small spiritual fiber, only the mentally tough can endure. My time with the group came full circle when we did a couple Reunion shows starting in 2015. I saw first-hand how after all these years the music superseded the expiration date the industry gives you once it feels you are dead in the water. The fans we captured in that 5-year timeframe have held on to us the way I had held on to my Hip-hop tapes when I was a kid. We have headlined big festivals in South America, in front of thousands of people singing our songs word for word. It was conformation for me, that the spirit of music I possess was powerful and to never let anyone or anything disqualify me in music. There hasn’t been another like us since.

How has your music evolved since you first began playing music?

For someone who never took a music writing class or had any formal musical training what so ever, I’ve stood in rooms with legends like Stevie Wonder. He gave me props for my approach to song making. I think because of my upbringing and ability to adapt.

I can shape shift my sound into any genre and not miss a beat. I’ve always kept my sound, but with the advent of autotune and other studio techniques, I can now paint more colorful pictures in my songs.

My new EP gonna shock a lot of people.

How would you describe the music that you create?

It’s a mix of Hip-hop, Reggae, Pop and Dancehall all

If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other drives you to stay in this tough business? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?

Mines would be empathy. The reason being, I always feel like when I see god given talent in others I become their defender by default I understand how it feels to have a talent that needs to be herd but kept in silence. I hate how record labels operate force feeding generic artist that fit a certain social acceptance while the real creators have to play the background or fight tooth and nail for any recognition. I speak and represent them because it’s what made me who I am and nothing this industry has thrown at me has killed my passion, I will show you my value over and over again.

Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in a genre overflowing with new faces and ideas?

I say just listen to my sound. Yeah, it’s more popular and successful people that do what I do but I have a certain sound and approach that’s different and more relatable then what the status quo is offering.

My unique Jamerican perspective has been missing, cause everybody chasing the hype of a country that only loves its own as far as dancehall and reggae which is expected, me as a Yankee can only win them over with talent and success. So, let me be loved in the rest of the world, then and the others will fall in line because they will have no choice you can’t stop sound from making noise and light from shinning.

What has been your biggest challenge as a performing artist/singer-songwriter? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

The biggest challenge is having to re-qualify myself to the new generation, because the attention span is short and the quality has been replaced with microwave

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music making. I can’t adhere to the throw 10 songs a week at the wall and see what sticks policy of today.

If you don’t have the success aura and legions of social media disciples then that equals no talent in today’s climate. It’s all by design for the bigger companies to manipulate the massive into thinking someone is organically wining the artist race but most of who and what you see collecting the accolades and getting all the streams are stocks that have investments and Based on Talent it may pay dividends.

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 may be the poster boy but I never show my suffering to people after the group broke up I was dropped from the label and all doors closed. All the hangers on felt it was over. The sentiment was you not marketable enough or good enough to stand on your own I dealt with it all with a smile. Cause man cannot qualify you only God qualifies and appoints his blessing as such. I’m sure when I pop up with a Refix or people see an interview or blurb about me in the media it may come as a shock like dam he still around. Yeah, I never went anywhere you been hearing my voice and seeing my face or mentions of my name the past 20yrs and if you didn’t that’s your fault.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?

The internet opened up the whole music business to entrepreneurs but it also opened up music to the leeches the ones who claim they know how to get you from A to Z just buy this book or listen to this seminar on how to win it all in music.

The only way to be successful in music is either to become a talented puppet to a record company or be so self-reliant and determine people will do music business with you on your terms. I choose the later. I could never be signed to anyone unless I was ma jority owner. I have the internet and I have my creativity + talent all you have is a few extra phone numbers and a bigger budget.

If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?

To be honest, I would not change much, the music business is the game of life. What you put in, is what you get out. Do the knowledge and win.

What are the 5 albums that have helped make you who you are today and why?

Bob Marley Legend, Pete Rock and CL Smooth Mecca and The Soul Brother, Michael Jackson Off the Wall / Thriller, The Entire Motown Catalog, Tribe Called Quest Low End Theory, De La Soul Three Feet High and Rising.

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Tell us about your current project?

My new project Based on Talent will drop in May 2020 and is 6 Songs of me shedding my past gruff voiced beast cadence to show a full beautiful arsenal of vocal range and penmanship. I purposely used only songs he had written with no features and production from Roe Summerz producer/engineer for (Koffee, Tommy Lee, Ding Dong & Irish Hill Records) and new comer Riddim Boss producer for (Vybz Kartel, Island Wav Records).

What’s next for you?

I Hope to break into the Cali-Reggae Scene and keep making good music. Still going to make Jamericn style music as well. Hopefully work with some talented up and comers.

How can fans-to-be gain access to your music and follow you?

I’m on all social media platforms @EdleyShine, also the website www.shinealousrecords.com and www.dabigvoice.com will be live shortly.

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LOKI OJHA Who are your inspirations? (as in other artists) At very early age I started listening English music and I used to listen every things like from pop, rock, metal, hip hop, country music, from late 60s 70s 80s till now from beetles to queen or Madonna, Michael Jackson sting, Duran Duran, Savage Garden, many more and so on for me I am influences by everyone because everyone is best in his or her own way and style I am fascinated by all so everyone inspire me one way or other.

my music and my animation style more influence by Hollywood and as its in English it has impact worldwide. I mean to say it has Worldwide reach.

What part of the globe do you come from?

I am from India- Delhi and I am just a simple person like any other on this Earth. I never had born with any special talent like god gifted or anything.

When my projects end they offer me some other jobs which was not in my domain I did but at the end I become the victim of discrimination by the Senior under use and throw policy.

And what is the music scene like there?

India known for its versatility in culture, weather, food, language, tradition, and so on and same goes with the entertainment films and music business.

Bollywood is also one of the largest centers of film production in the world. Also in comparison, Bollywood makes approximately 1,041 films yearly, as Opposed to less than 500 films made by Hollywood yearly.

I could not get job even after one year due to deterioration of my skill set and Samsung name could not fetch me any things. I was getting rejected almost every interview i was at the dead end

The music of India includes multiple varieties of classical music, folk music, filmi, Indian rock, Indian pop and Punjabi Music. Indian pop and Indian Rock is derived from western rock and roll. India’s classical music tradition, Including Hindustani music and Carnatic, has a history spanning millennia and Developed over several areas. Music in India began as an integral part of Socio-religious life. But

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When did you first start rapper?

Its start from way back the time where I used to work company called Samsung India as a CG artist it could be a story for you but for me it’s a long struggle and painful journey from Alok Ojha to Loki Ojha.

“Sometime your life shatters in a way that you either get blind or get your eyes open.

Then, I deiced to do something along with that woul refurbish my skill set. I started working over music video which contained dance, special effects and story considering the fact I need to do it alone with all my limitation and within the limitation. I had no idea what to do... how to do..... Next year I spent day and night with 2 gb ram PC searching on YouTube for every knowledge which I required. I used my PC for CG work, recording music, sound and I used my nokia cell phone for the photoshoot.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDCJ5Xvb6GY Among many limitation software and hardware and many setbacks and many criticism and lots of hit and trial kind of video I made it was so horrible it was garbage and waste of whole time but only one thing was good there that I know the procedure now only I have to refine it. Then I start again. And when I finished my second try it was far better than the first one the name of the video was devil share or sharefordeath. That’s how Loki Ojha was born and I become the producer of my first music video.

Loki Ojha -Devil Share https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_NQh7UMKac But next war and burning question was what I suppose to do with it after many search someone advise me send your video to festival then next few month I start searching festival and sending my video to them.

I was getting rejected by many festival as I was unable to pay their entry fees and not able to send DVD but I was keep on requesting them For fees waves off and sending video thorough net.

I went to the media for help but they refused to cover me as they find this as a self-proclaimed promotional video and demand money No help or support but criticizing was very high from everywhere.

That was my struggle...

One day, I got information that my video got selected in one Spanish festival I was very excited and happy but again criticism come with it as Its nothing but just a stroke of luck but After that my video stated creating waves by getting selected in 15 festivals all world the world like Spain, USA, Italy, Germany, Australia, Brazil, Become the part of BBC and reached to the Cannes festival and got the media attention world over..

My video got covered by a UK magazine and radio tation and my video started becoming the part of the events in USA. Also verified by Google.

Kind of the music or style or kind of impact it had People start comparing my video with Great Michael Jackson and they started seeing me as multi-dimensional artist.

Harare International School (Zimbabwe) found my story motivational and inspirational, so they put it on the school’s website. One of the pioneer colleges in education, Birla Institute of Technology invited me to do a motivational speech for their school. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foDLyN2vk0I

Loki Ojha -Dangerous Sensation https://youtu.be/rJcDS0_kXmY Loki Ojha -Transcendence https://youtu.be/c158RK9nbD0 Loki Ojha - Whispers of Agony https://youtu.be/NShyvXufv7o LOKI OJHA- Rhythm Soul Trailer working on https://youtu.be/hwFkM3hKzog Being in a very competitive market such as music how has it impact you being from another country?

From the very start, I wanted to make music videos so that I could reach worldwide and not be limited to one country. That is why I did not produce any of my videos in the Indian language. From the very beginning, I wanted to be known at international level. I got a lot of appreciation from aboard, rather than from my own country. So, overall I got to benefit from it all.

Does your music have a message with it?

Yes, a few of my music videos have a message. Like Devil Share, although it’s horror kind of, but still it has a message that karma will come to get you.

Meaning, whatever you do, you need to have share of it, good or bad. So, be careful! In Whispers of Agony’s video, it’s a cry of the soul with questions as sometimes we also have these kind of questions.

Who is your favorite artist and why?

I don’t have any specific artist, I love all kinds of music, as long as i enjoy it . I do believe that every artist has his or her unique talent.

What did your family do to encourage you?

Sorry to say, but I was not lucky to have that, but yes I was lucky enough that a lot of strangers come forward to help me out. In my case, when i was making my video, no one was there to help me, but once I got some recognition, people started paying attention.

Who are your musical inspirations?

Michael Jackson, I am trying to make music like him, although I am Indian. You never find any touch of Indian music, so far I have not used an Indian instrument in my music.

What kind of music do you listen to today?

I listen to everything from pop, rock, metal, hip hop, and country music, from late 60s 70s 80s till now.

From the Beatles to Queen and Madonna, Michael Jackson, to Sting, Duran Duran, Savage Garden, many more.

Where would you most like to perform?

I would love to perform anywhere, as long as I have a stage with light and sound arrangement along with fans to watch me. I really like to perform all over the world, especially in European countries, that is my first priority.

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What hidden talents do you have?

When I used to work for Samsung, I was only just a CG Artist, but when I started making music, my personality become more versatile. Many people consider me multi-talented and a multi-dimensional artist. And the fact is, I never got any appreciation while I was working as CG Artist for my work. But when I get into the music, I got a lot of appreciation from all parts of the world. I just become a Performer, Motivational Speaker, Creative Director and a Promoter. I am really amazed with my potential. It’s like I am coming out of my shell.

Do you want to give any one a shout out?

Only this do what you love to do and don’t give up.

Profile on social media: Loki Ojha (Please Google it).

(Preforming Artist/ Creative Director/CG Artist) http://lokiojha.com/ https://www.facebook.com/lokiojha/ www.linkedin.com/in/loki-ojha https://www.youtube.com/c/LokiOjha https://twitter.com/lokiojha https://www.instagram.com/lokiojha/ https://www.pinterest.com/lokiojha/ http://lokiojha.tumblr.com/ https://www.reverbnation.com/LokOjha https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Loki_Ojha https://plus.google.com/108246714694732029226 http://www.imdb.com/user/ur32106627/ https://vimeo.com/lokiojha http://www.imdb.com/video/wab/vi329295641/ https://soundcloud.com/lokiojha https://www.musicpage.com/lokiojha https://artist.spinnup.com/loki-ojha

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WICKED WITCH A Creative Journey He’s risen from the ashes like the great Phoenix, with a persona like a human tornado with a warped space whirling around a central singularity. He’s rubbed elbows with Ozzie Osbourne, Marilyn Manson, Jeff Beck, Nancy Wilson, and David Oberlin from Korn who produced his newest music. He an artist as well as a singer/songwriter who is successfully following his own inspiration.

World meet “Wicked Witch!” Spawned from the waves of collaborative diversity, the art of thinking independently together, figuring out how to walk through the world together using differences as strengths. I first encountered him at the Grammy Soirée and I was sure he was exceptional. Then two weeks later I celebrated his presence at International designer Sue Wong’s Oscar Party and our fate was sealed.....

Wicked Witch has The Wicked Witch Foundation a vehicle to help new, unsigned artists rise. He is also planning an anti-bullying effort. I spoke to the Witch regarding his career and his future endeavors.

What inspired you to want to become part of the music world?

As a child I always loved music and I was always inspired by other artists and inspired by my mother’s work ethic. I just have a love for music and I always felt that one day I was going to be someone big.

What inspired your name, “Wicked Witch?”

I was at a concert accompanied by Ozzy Osbourne

and he basically baptized me in front of a lot of people and that’s how Wicked Witch was born, right after that.

If you could have your ultimate stage fantasy what would have to happen?

Oh man....me on stage with Rob Zombie, Ozzy Osbourne again, Marilyn Manson and all of us just jamming on stage.

When you were growing up who were your ma jor musical influences?

There were a few artists, but they didn’t really inspire me too much to do the music. I always had my own mindset. I liked what they did as far as music, but it was my mom’s work ethic that gave me the drive within my family. I liked JAY-Z, Incubus, Lincoln Park, Demi Lovato, Avril Lavigne. There were a lot of artists like Whitney Houston inspiring me, their music inspired me but as far as me doing music I always felt like this is what I was supposed to do.

You’re almost about to release your single, do we have a date?

I chose April 1, 2020. It’s called “Molly” and it’s produced by Davy Oberlin. He’s a live keyboardist in the rock band Korn.

How did you get to meet him?

A lot of people just started connecting with me.

They’ve been seeing a lot of different work that I’ve been putting out. There were a lot of different events that were interesting for them and they started hitting

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me up. A lot of people just want to start collaborating.

I’ve noticed some artwork on your media.....is that yours? Are you an artist as well?

Yes I am. I love drawing. A little bit about that, I’m launching my Wicked Witch fundraiser where I am creating handmade art work which will be definitely available to purchase. My artwork is inspired by my life story. I’m just painting different emotions of what I go through, I know a lot of people go through the same. Painting has always been a way to relax my mind.

You’re very well rounded artistic wise. You’re from New York?

Yes, Brooklyn New York.

What caused you to relocate to LA? I always saw Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre and Callie artists on BET. I would notice the palm trees, I was looking at the weather and then in New York all I saw was the projects... I’m not discrediting where I’m from....

I loved it, but it’s real ghetto, it’s the hood, but here I was seeing a whole different environment. I always liked all the Hollywood stars out there and it’s like living the dream to be out there in California. I just had to keep working hard and just make a move. I had to find different places, get a job and everything in the beginning but then things started working out in my favor later on. So, I’m definitely blessed for that.

If you could help me ask you any question in the world what would that question be?

I love that question...I’ve never heard somebody say that.....that’s like a real serious question. How about what did it take for me to become so strong in this kind of industry?

Ok, what is it about you that made you so strong in such a tough, unforgiving industry?

It does take a lot! I would have to say that hitting rock-bottom because there was a point in time that it was either I stayed in Brooklyn or just kept on going. So, I just kept going. There was a point in time I was on the street. I used to walk around to try to figure out what I wanted to do. I was in another state at the time and I was trying to figure out that either I was going back home to New York, or I was going to keep going and make something out of it.

So, I just kept going and remembered the crime and everything that I had gone through and it reminded me that if I didn’t keep going and stay focused, I could be back in that situation. That was one situationyou just keep going. I want to inspire others at the same time during my journey.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself really doing the same thing that I’m

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doing right now but just leveling up. As far as my art I can see that getting better, my foundation I can see more unsigned artists just joining the foundation and making the change. As far as my music I want to hit the Billboards, Grammys, Oscars, that’s where I see myself.....in each category.

Are you working on any new projects at the moment?

I’m working on a project with Deep Roy (Charlie’s Chocolate Factory, Star Trek). That’s my boy...

We’re working on a CD now. I’m going to be writing his raps. It’s going to be called The Witch and the something...I don’t know what he’s going to call himself ...we gotta have a name and we’re going to have a 5 song EP. I’m also working on something different myself...I didn’t even do it yet, but it is so interesting.

It’s a whole different style, a whole different person...

Explain The Wicked Witch Foundation?

As a child growing up, I always had a passion for music, acting and modeling. I’m going to inspire the unsigned talent. That’s what the Wicked Witch Foundation is about, inspiring, guiding, and providing...resources. I am offering opportunities to experience music, fashion, Red Carpets, and networking.

Follow Wicked Witch on IG: https://instagram.com/ iamwickedwitch

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