Second Step To Success - Music Artist Conan

Don't sleep on this young man he's emerging and bringing change to the industry. Checkout the music video "Second Step To Success" follow his journey on Instragm/Twitter: @Conan42Fly 

BLACK EYE PEAS TOUR

 

BLACK EYE PEAS E.N.D OF THE WORLD TOUR WITH T-PAIN
AUGUST 18TH -TODAY
MTS CENTRE
WINNIPEG, CANADA

AUGUST 20TH - FRIDAY
CREDIT UNION CENTRE
SASKATOON, CANADA

AUGUST 22ND-SUNDAY
PENGROWTH SADDLEDOME
CALGANG, CANADA

AUGUST 23RD- MONDAY
REXALL PALACE
EDMONTON, CANADA


SEPTEMBER 30TH- WEDNESDAY
ESTADIO TECHNOLOGICO DE MONTERREY
MONTERREY, MEXICO

OCTOBER 2ND- SATURDAY
ESTADIO AZTECA
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO

OCTOBER 15TH -FRIDAY
CEARA MUSIC FESTIVAL
FORTALEZA, BRAZIL

OCTOBER 17TH- SUNDAY
JOCKEY CLUB
RECIFE, BRAZIL

OCTOBER 19TH-TUESDAY
MANE GARRINCHA PARKING
BRASILIA, BRAZIL

OCTOBER 24TH-SUNDAY
APOTEOSE
RIO DE JANERIO, BRAZIL

FOR MORE CONCERT INFO & TICKET SALES
http://www.blackeyedpeas.com/home/events

KIA CALLOWAY - BEHIND THE MUSIC

Kia Calloway
Raising Music Sensation
Interview By: Geneva Relf

Geneva: Kia how are you doing today, thanks for agreeing to this interview!

Kia : Thank you for having me.

Geneva: Now for those who need to be introduced, can you tell them who Kia Calloway is?

Kia: Kia Calloway is definitely a mixture of a bunch of different, wonderful elements. R&B,Pop,Hip-Hop- you name it! I like to think of myself as being a versatile artist.

Geneva: Your hit single "Back Seat" when you first heard this track how did you know this was going to be hit?

Kia: Well when I first heard the track I was on that whole Timberland (Aaliyah) vibe..Certain tracks talk to you automatically and you just flow with it.That song didn't take long as some songs do, and I just had fun with it.Didn't expect it to go as far as it did but I'm grateful [laughs].

Geneva: What upcoming projects can we look forward to from you?

Kia: Right now I'm doing a lot of underground projects so definitely  look out for some unreleased material.I am featured in the 3rd Edition of Platinum Plus magazine, and In the midst of that I'm working with different producer's and writer's for my upcoming project. So yeah ya girl stay's on her grind [laughs]. 

Geneva: Being a songwriter what is the hardest part about creating a song?


Kia: For me, sometimes I can have a one track mind and some of my songs seems to be about the same thing. You know the whole heartbreak, you cheated, you did this, you did that type of thing. Then sometimes I get writer's block, and so I take a break from it and maybe a few day's later come back to it with a fresh mind.

Geneva: What made you want to pursue music?

Kia: Basically you can tell what your called to do because your not happy doing anything else. I can do music forever and a day, go through the storm, get knocked down, get back up and still love what I do. Music is like therapy for me, and it got me through some rough moments.  I think I wrote some of my best songs when I was going through the hard times.

Geneva: You have been in the industry for years, what is the biggest lesson you have had to learn?

Kia: I have learned that A entertainer has to wear many hats. You just don't go up on stage and that's it. This music game is a Business..That's why it's called Music Business and you gotta know it. You gotta know who's controlling it, because If you allow every aspects of your life to be controlled by someone else, you can loose yourself, your identity very quickly and that's not a good feeling.


Geneva: "Fed Up" was another hot track, what makes your music so relate-able to your audience?


Kia: I feel that a lot of women in some point in life will go through heartbreak and I want to address that. Some women believe that they have to deal with the pain,hurt,abuse and so on but they don't. You have choices. You either deal with it or you don't.  It's just that simple. People are going to do what you allow them to do and women you are better then that...Stop settling for less and know your worth...


Geneva: Who does Kia Calloway inspire to collaborate with in the near future?


Kia: [laughs] I would love to work with a few people. I would have to say R-Kelly, Tank, Usher,Timberland,
Robin Thick and my all time music crush LL Cool J [laughs].


Geneva: What would be the ultimate tour for Kia Calloway and who would be featured on the tour?


Kia: R-Kelly because we bring the same thing to the table. The Grown & Sexy Tour...yeah!


Geneva: If you could describe yourself in one phrase what would it be?


Kia: Kia Calloway is a Diamond in the Rough!

Geneva: What separates Kia Calloway from other artist out there?

Kia: What makes me different then a lot of artist is my story behind my music. I mean you can sing all day but people remember stories, the meaning,the drive, the humbleness, and the hard work. They can see a beautiful face and a voice any day but if she doesn't have a purpose, then it's useless. See if you have a purpose
then it comes out in your voice and in your lyrics like all those old songs that will  be here for centuries. Those are the heartfelt songs, and that's why people still singing those same song's today.

Geneva: What was that defining moment that you felt validated in your music career? Or are you still waiting on that moment?

Kia: I think when I receive those Grammy awards is when I will sit back and say "This is my moment"!


Geneva: Can you describe that feeling you get when your on stage?

Kia: A rush of energy and I'm very aggressive on stage[laughs]. It's almost like your someone else. It's funny to watch sometimes because when I'm off stage I'm normally not like that. I'm reserved and kinda quiet but when I hit that stage...The diva is out.[laughs]


Geneva: What are the biggest mistakes an artist can make in this industry?


Kia: Signing their life away and then stuck in a life long contract. That's why I said This Music Business is not a game. There are people that could care two cents about you and just wanna make money for themselves. You need an attorney to look over any contract you have. Also be true to who you are. Don't be who everybody else want you to be because when the smoke clears and everybody is gone, you gotta love who you are.


Geneva: Now if you could give sound advice to upcoming artists what would it be?


Kia: You gotta work for it and I mean work hard because it ain't easy. Even when you signed you still gotta grind. These day's labels want to know if you ready to go when you walk in the door. It's not all about the glitz and glamor..Know your business. It's easy to get a deal but it ain't easy to keep it. Yes have fun with it because this is what you do and it should be 2nd nature, but while you having fun with it don't loose yourself for the fame.Stay true to who you really are and Put God first in everything you do.You will have a million and one closed doors but you will also have a million and one open doors so never take no for a answer and don't give up.


Geneva: So what is the next level for Kia Calloway?


Kia: I definitely plan to write for different artist and I've been working on implementing new ideas for my live shows so that's exciting. The best thing I can say is "Expect the unexpected from Kia Calloway".


Geneva: Thanks again so much for this interview, and is there anything you would like to say to your fans before we go? Also don't forget to tell the people where to find you and your music!

Kia: Thank you for having me and you can find me at www.kiacallowaymusic.com ... www.twitter.com/kiacalloway1.. or for booking or questions you can contact me at kiacallowaybookings@yahoo.com

Ricky Jewelz - The Interview

Ricky Jewelz Interview 
When The Lime Light is Shinning
Interview By: Geneva Relf 

Geneva: Ricky first off thank you for taking the time out to do this interview today!


Ricky Jewelz: No problem thank yall!

Geneva: It's impossible I know, but for those who haven't heard of Ricky Jewelz can you tell them what they are mission out on?



Ricky Jewelz:  Rick Jewelz Colorado born, LA resident. Artist/Producer/Songwriter



Geneva: Now I understand that your from Denver, Colorado correct?


Ricky Jewelz: yurpp Denver by way of Aurora


Geneva: Now how did you get started in the music business? Who were your musical inspirations?



Ricky Jewelz:  I started writing lyrics at 6 years old, and started making my own tapes at 8 years old, and just been going ever since. Some influences of mine are Dr. Dre, Snoop, Jay Z, Kanye West, etc.



Geneva: If you could describe yourself in one word what would it be and why?



Ricky Jewelz: Workaholic. All I do is work on music. I even go to school to be an engineer. So all the hours I'm awake I'm working on music.



Geneva: Now "The Rebellion" was your first album project how did that come about?


Ricky Jewelz: I just always would do mixtapes and then a DJ finally decided to host one of mine, thus the Rebellion was made.


Geneva: Now you recently worked with Gucci Mane what was that like? How did this collaboration come about?



Ricky Jewelz:  It was coo, track came out dope. But it originally started as a mixtape track on my "I didn't Know That vol.2" mixtape. But people were saying I should get Gucci Mane on it. Made a few calls and made it happen.


Geneva: Now you don't just rap, I understand that you also produce and a songwriter? Do you think that gives you an advantage in the music game?



Ricky Jewelz: Yeah I definitely think it gives me an advantage in the music game because not all artist do all those things, or excel at all of them. My strong suit is in writing, I'm a lyrical artist so writing for different genres and different artist is easy for me.



Geneva: What is coming up for you next, where can we see you or hear from you?


Ricky Jewelz: Up next we got my "The WAIT mixtape" and after that we got "The ARRIVAL mixtape" one hosted by DJ Messiah and one hosted by DJ CapCom. We also got the "Money'N'Girlz" video coming soon featuring my homie Spark Dawg. So look for me on your radios and TV's this summer.



Geneva: Who do you hope to work with in the future or collaborate with again?



Ricky Jewelz: In the future I hope to work with Kanye West, Jay Z, Kid Cudi, Wiz Khalifa, Big Sean, etc. Hope to work with Fabolous again, along with Rich Hil, and Freck.


Geneva: Now the ladies want to know are you single or just career focused right now?


Ricky Jewelz: I'm single, and always career focused. But still got time for lovely young lady ;).



Geneva: What do you do to relax, it's been a long day in the studio on the road. What do you to calm down and just come back to center?



Ricky Jewelz:  To relax I'll usually chill back and smoke a blunt, maybe watch a movie, or read the Bible.



Geneva: What is the most difficult part about being young in the industry?



Ricky Jewelz: A lot of people are gonna test you, to see how good you are at what you do. They underestimate until you give them a reason to respect you.


Geneva: What advice would you give for the next upcoming producer, or rap artist that want the lime light?



Ricky Jewelz: Grind hard, don't sleep, keep God first in everything you do.



Geneva: Thank you so much for your time and is there anything you would like to say before we go?




Ricky Jewelz:  Anytime. But shouts to F.F.E/GMB Starr Scream, Street Fam, and all the fans, and of course yall for the interview!

Watch more YouTube videos on AOL Video

 

Where to Find him
http://www.myspace.com/rickyjewelz
http://twitter.com/RickJewelz
http://www.rickjewelzgotnext.blogspot.com/

Rachel Fine - Behind The Music

Geneva: Rachel thanks so much for agreeing to this interview! How are you today?


Rachel : Getting better all the time!!! I'm doing great, Geneva. Happy to talk to you.




Geneva: Rachel for those that may need to be introduced to you. Can you introduce yourself?



Rachel: Sure, I'm a singer/songwriter from Brooklyn, NY & I do a blend of electronica & neo-soul- think Portishead meets Jill Scott.





Geneva: How did you get started in the music business?



Rachel: Music's been a part of my life as long as I can remember. I think it started becoming a "business" for me about two years ago when I began working on this album. At some point in your life you've gotta go big or go home, and this sound, this album, has been my big roll of the dice. Of all the music I've done, it's the project I stand most strongly behind.





Geneva: Now your debut album "Own your Own" what inspired that title?




Rachel: The album is really about honesty. About claiming who you are- the good and the bad. Owning it. I share a lot of myself on this album- I wrote all the lyrics and they're all true experiences from my life. As difficult as some of that is to fess up to, there is something freeing about tell the world "this is me- this is the truth of who I am". I think if everybody just owned up to themselves and stood proudly in who they were, we'd all be a little less effed up :) lol



Geneva: Your new released album is a combination of mixed genre's. From the 70's to hip hop what inspired you to do that?



Rachel: I worked with my producer and long-time friend Timothy Schletter on the vibe of this album. After we decided to explore a sound together, we pulled our influences and really tried to find something new that really resonated with us both. We definitely have a bit of a throw back sound- we get some Winehouse comparisons because of that, but there's a good amount of electronic and even subtle hip hop flavors in there.




Geneva: Now you work for Howard Stern what is that like?




Rachel: It's AMAZING. I was a fan for years before this opportunity came along, so it truly is a dream come true. I've never had more fun in my life.



Geneva: Now your a business women with many talents. Would you consider yourself a role model for young women today?


Rachel: It's a tough question- I work on a television show that's certainly not appropriate for children, so I wouldn't want them watching! But, on a personal level, I think all young women would benefit from finding the truth in themselves and "owning" it, as I do through my music. I know what it's like to go through tough teenage years. More than anything, I hope that in the brutal, embarrassing honesty of my lyrics, young girls will feel like someone understands them and that it's ok to be less than perfect.

Geneva: The Bonus Show on Howard TV how did that get started?



Rachel: I auditioned last October, we shot the pilot in November, got picked up in December and started filming in January! The rest is history :)





Geneva: Now what advice would you give to young women trying to break into the industry?



Rachel: It really is about persistence and an unwavering belief in yourself. People will discourage you and haters will dismiss you, but it's the people who don't give up, who relentlessly push forward that really succeed. Don't be afraid to go hard. Don't hold back. Put blinders on and visualize what you want.





Geneva: What do you think is the biggest mistake upcoming women in the industry?





Rachel: Well, for women specifically, I think it's easy to mistake a gatekeeper's advances. Guys in positions of power will try to promise you the world in hopes of intimacy. Women who fall for that never get anywhere. Not only that, if you think you need to sleep with someone to be successful, you're really betting against your own talent and abilities. You're telling yourself you can't make it on your own merits. Keep your wits about you and run your business like a business.




Geneva: Where do you see yourself in the next ten years?




Rachel: You know, Geneva, if I looked that far ahead, I think I'd get overwhelmed. When I started making this album, I couldn't think about printing and distribution and licensing a finished product. I just sat with my best friend Tim and found a cool groove to our first song. I think you just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other towards what feels good and trust that you'll get there.




Geneva: The Song "Potential" (which is available on i-tunes now) how did this track come about?




Rachel: The song "Potential" is about falling in love with who someone COULD be, rather than who they actually are. My ex had so many amazing qualities and I saw the best in him, who he could be if he just tried a little harder. But ultimately, there comes a point where you have to accept someone for who they choose to be. That's what this verse is about:

Now I see I'm loving
The shadow of a man
Strong and picture perfect
It appears against the land
But what is your potential if
It never comes to light
Can't see a shadow
When day turns to night.




Geneva: When it comes to song, how do you know it's a hit?




Rachel: I'm actually not that concerned about whether it's a hit or not. I'm concerned with the integrity of the lyrics, a groove that makes me move a little and an overall excited sense of YESSSSSS!!!!!!!! If I'm vibing on it, I know there are other people out there who will feel me. I would rather have a long term, loyal group of fans who truly understand who I am and what I'm trying to say than put out huge club-bangers that don't represent me.





Geneva: Who would you like to collaborate with music wise?




Rachel: EMINEM! His rhythms are SICK. I don't think there's a lyricist or rapper out there that can do what he does. I love the Dido collab for Stan and I think my music would be an amazing fit. Em, if you're listening, call me :)





Geneva: Can you take us through a Rachel Fine day?





Rachel: Wow. Tough one. So unpredictable! I left "Corporate America" a year and a half ago to go full time in the entertainment field, so I'm working longer, harder hours now for myself than I ever did before. Here's a "typical" day: Up at 8:30 to put a couple hours in at the gym. Morning coffee and at least an hour of social networking stuff (I try to respond to everyone on twitter, fb, myspace, youtube, etc). Following up with new radio stations that want to add our music to their rotation, doing print and phone interviews, sending off press kits to people who need them. Shopping for wardrobe, either for a concert or for Stern that week. Meeting with my publicist. Working on next week's Stern scripts or writing my blog. Band reheasals OR a show at night. Editing the video or audio footage from the last show. Impromptu meetings with various important people who seem to pop up out of nowhere everyday and need to meet with 20 minutes notice. Another hour at the gym, a good hour of super crappy reality tv, asleep at 1am. That's actually a pretty good representation of my life 7 days a week.




Geneva: If you could describe yourself in one word. What would it be and why?



Rachel: Driven, definitely. I don't stop. If I want something, I will find a way to get it done.




Geneva: Rachel thanks again for agreeing to this interview. Is there anything you would like to say before we go? Also don't forget to tell us and your fans where to find you!



Rachel: The best place to find out what's going on is http://rachelfine.com . Geneva, thanks so much for taking the time to talk. I hope some new people will check out the tunes! I think if you really spend time with my music, you'll find there's something genuine there to connect to. I'm so appreciative of my fans and so thankful for the opportunity to share myself through such a creative medium. Thanks for listening :)

 Places to Rachel Fine
http://rachelfine.com
http://facebook.com/rachelfine
http://myspace.com/rachelfine
http://twitter.com/rachelfinemusic
http://youtube.com/rachelfinemusic
http://rachelfine.de.vu (German fansite)