Conversations & Quotables: Q&A with Sean Summerlin

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In this Q&A session I had with the multi-talented Las Vegas artist Sean Summerlin, he shares the passion behind his various endeavors and sheds some light on important factors for independent artists to focus on while on the path to pursuing their dreams.

Achickwitbeatz: Who is Sean Summerlin?

Sean Summerlin: I'm a artist, not just a music artist but a person who produces work in any of the arts that are primarily subject to aesthetic criteria. I engage in more than one broad spectrum of activities related to creating art. I rap and sing but I also show who I am with my song flyers I design to give my followers a vision about what I'm talking about. I'm a role model to big dreamers. I say that because like many who dream big I came from nothing and had little but still did things people never thought I could. At the age of 21, I was the owner of a magazine called "The Veg Mag"; the producer and host of my own show called, "LVX"; owner of a music studio and a clothing line called "Ego Death". Who Is Sean Summerlin? I'm a believer and a fighter.

Achickwitbeatz: When did you discover that you needed music to be a part of your life?

Sean Summerlin: I don't think I did, My mom worked with many of the big name artist back in the 90s behind the scenes. I always loved music from the first time I remember hearing it, I'll never forget the day I told my mom I wanted to be a singer, I was about 8 years old, singing all the songs on the radio that I can remember, from Michael Jackson, Dru Hill and New Edition, From rappers like 2 Pac, DMX, Nas and Jay Z. Music has always been apart of me, I love it because music is one of the only things on earth that can make you feel good when you're down, the only thing that can take you back to the good old days like a real life time machine. I didn't make the decision to do music, it's always been here in my life and never let me down, I just happen to love it and wanted to share what it did for me with others by making my own music people like myself can relate to.

Achickwitbeatz: What would you say is the best thing about being an independent artist?

Sean Summerlin: One word. "Freewill". I like being able to say and do what I want. Like I said before "I'm a artist". People like me have no limits on what we do and can't deal with being locked in a box or told how far we can take our minds. I like being a free soul.

Achickwitbeatz: What would you say is the biggest challenge for independent artists to overcome?

Sean Summerlin: Themselves! I think that's the biggest challenge for most independent artists, sometimes we can get in our own way with having doubt. Be you and love your art. Like minded people will follow what you do and support you.

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 attributes/skills that would place an artist on your top 10 list?

Sean Summerlin: Uniqueness. There's nothing like a artist who has their own sound.

Creativity. I love when I hear something that I wish I thought of myself, like when R. Kelly came out with "Sex Weed" or how Mario came out with that song "Nikes Fresh Out the Box" it's dope when you take something and change the meaning up like that.

Persistence. I love it when the music never stops, when you can tell the artist loves what their doing by how much they're putting out.

Delivery. Its something about how you choose to say your words, I love metaphors and punch lines.

Staying real. This should of been the first thing I said, when a artist is keeping it real about whatever he or she is saying is the best. Most of the time it's very easy to see who's a honest artist. I respect that.

Achickwitbeatz: Conversely, what are 5 attributes that would place an artist at the very bottom of your list?

Sean Summerlin: Attitude- There's a difference between being confident in an art and being cocky. Staying humble in the industry carries a lot of weight and can carry an artist further

Failure to adapt- The industry is ever changing. Therefore, the artist has to be open to change with it.

Refusal to work with different producers- Every producer brings a different vibe and flavor to an artist. Every artist should at least "try" to work with different people to get a different vibe on what the public wants; different styles, different flavors.

Lack of Creativity/Originality- Even if an artist collaborates with others, they should make a reasonable attempt to create their own lyrics and vibe from their own experiences. No one can touch on life experiences and deliver it better than when the story is told by the artist.

Lack of Knowledge- Failure to learn the industry and how to correctly protect your work by copyrighting them correctly through the Library of Congress. Failure to be a member of a songwriting agency and registering an artist's works correctly.

Achickwitbeatz: What's next on the horizon for Sean Summerlin?

Sean Summerlin: Nothing at all.... Just playing, I'm working on my first all rap mixtape and also thinking about putting back together my LVX show. I have new music videos coming soon and planing on setting up my first fashion show for my line Ego Death.

Achickwitbeatz: How can people connect with you and stay current with what you have in the works?

Sean Summerlin: You can follow what I'm up to on Facebook. www.Facebook.com/SeanSummerlinFanPage or my like Page www.Facebook.com/SeanSummerlinMusic. Also I'm on Twitter @SeanSummerlin_ and on IG @SeanSummerlin
I'm also all over YouTube just look up my name "Sean Summerlin"

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Conversations & Quotables: Q&A with Young Havok

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In this brief Q&A, Las Vegas artist Young Havok shares some of the gems he's gained along the path to realizing his dreams.

Achickwitbeatz: Who is Young Havok?

Young Havok: Young Havok is a character I created to tell the stories that I, as Blaine Harvest, couldn't. I wanted to affect and disrupt the thought process, I wanted to invoke deep emotions and create characters. Young Havok gave me that chance.

Achickwitbeatz: When did you discover that you needed music to be a part of your life?

Young Havok: I can't remember when but I do know that when I realized it, it became one of my drugs of choice. It's made me feel awful and high, blessed and depressed, strong and weak. I was in awe of its power and still am.

Achickwitbeatz: What would you say is the best thing about being an independent artist?

Young Havok: Freedom. I can make what I want. Be who I want. Go in whatever direction I want. I answer to myself and am responsible for my successes and failures. I love it despite the difficulties.

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 skills/attributes that would place an artist on your top 10 list?

Young Havok: Flow. Conviction. Creativity. Execution. Dedication.

If you can flow well you'll catch my interest. If you believe you are as good as you boast about or believe yourself to be it's infectious. Everything that can be done kind of has, but if you can present it differently then you gain major points and hold my interest. If you can execute with all the above things then you're on fire. And if you're dedicated than you remind me of myself which I can relate to.

Achickwitbeatz: Conversely, what are 5 attributes that would place an artist at the very bottom of your list?

Young Havok: False bravado. Self centeredness. Weak flow. Laziness. Acting entitled.
Simple as that.

Achickwitbeatz: What can people expect from Young Havok?

Young Havok: Stories and bars. I'm a spitter at heart and am too competitive to ever not go all the way in when I'm on a track. And I'm getting better and better at telling stories that people care about. 

Achickwitbeatz: How can people connect with you and stay current with what you have in the works?

Young Havok: Twitter.com/YoungHavok
                         YouTube.com/YoungHavok
                         Soundcloud.com/itsyounghavok

I'm all about the music and those are the best places to stay up to date.

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Conversations & Quotables: Q&A with Red VelveTT

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In this brief Q&A Las Vegas artist Red VelveTT shares her story and drops some gems for artists.

Achickwitbeatz: Who is Red VelveTT?

Red VelveTT: I'm Las Vegas born & bread hip-hop artist/writer with a flow nothing like most female rappers. I've ALWAYS been in love with everything connected to music because of the stories that can be told.

I'm the 1 that can relate with every experience girls, teens, women & even some men have gone through. But I can never be compared.

Lol the famous question is how'd I get my name. Well there's a few reasons... I'm extra sweet & thick & chocolate under this red head of mine just like.......well you know. Like the cake my flow is deceiving, you look at me & probably think a number of things... but rapping ain't one of them. But when I open my mouth & give you an irresistible taste you're like WOW not what I expected.

I don't focus on what most call competition because I come with my own extraordinary individuality lyrically.

Achickwitbeatz: When did you discover that you needed music to be a part of your life?

Red VelveTT: I was probably in 3rd grade when I feel in love with music & poetry, listening & watching so many genres of the greats.

But later in life (2008) is when I got more involved, working behind the scene with other upcoming artist. Always being on the scene, yet not really on the scene & not seeing females from my city grinding was a big part of my inspiration. So in 2012 I decided to seriously pursue being an artist.

Achickwitbeatz: What is the most valuable thing you've learned since becoming an independent artist?

Red VelveTT: Always stay ready. Support but understand that a lot of people look to use & abuse you & when they see that they can't, they fall all the way back & won't support your journey.

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 attributes/skills that would place an artist on your top 10 list?

Red VelveTT: Creativity
                       Style
                       Lyrical
                       Story telling
                       Remaining humble

Achickwitbeatz: Conversely, what are 5 attributes that would place an artist at the very bottom of your list?

Red VelveTT: Hmmm...
                       Too much cockiness
                       Unrelatable
                       Interchangeable
                       No passion
                       Disrespect

Achickwitbeatz: What can people expect from Red VelveTT?

Red VelveTT: I'm currently finishing my "Cake" mixtape which will feature a few independent artist artist from Vegas. This fall I'll be featured on a compilation.
But my first EP will drop at the beginning of 2015. You can expect quality, sass, real life, real stories, real music from a woman expressing her feminine side.
On my mixtape mainly you will get my edgy/cocky side where I let it all out & address every last hater.

Achickwitbeatz: How can people connect with you and stay current with what you have in the works?

Red VelveTT: I am Red Velvett no matter where you look.

Http://Www.twitter.com/IamRedVelvett
Http://Www.Facebook.com/IamRedVelvett
Http://Www.soundcloud.com/IamRedVelvett
Http://Www.Instagram.com/IamRedVelvett
Http://Www.tumblr.com/IamRedVelvett

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Conversations & Quotables: Answers Artists Need to Know Pt 1

Flickr:  Sarith C

Have you ever wanted to know what fans of the art gravitate to? I started the weekly Conversations & Quotables series in February of this year for the purpose of creating dialogue about the industry through sharing experiences, perceptions, and knowledge that has been received along the path. So far there have been 26 Q&As and since this is the halfway mark for the year, I thought this would be a great time to look at what the featured artists have shared about what they love about the artists they enjoy.  Are there any attributes you would like to add? Please drop your thoughts in the comments section below.

Anagram, Independent Artist

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 attributes/skills an artist should have to make your top 10 list?Anagram: Originality, creativity, solid technique, passion & above all just make good music.

DaForce, Independent Artist

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 attributes/skills an artist should have to make your top 10 list?
Daforce: This is just my opinion, I think he or she should have some kind of personality. Secondly, they have to be able to adapt to almost any work condition that may arise in the studio or on the road or even with the politics of the business. Third, communicate well with fans and build that link of understanding. Fourth be nice and truthful with that delivery and lastly, be fearless. I think when a rapper/musician, etc. has these attributes they have greatness and we know who these people are.  Whether we feel them or not, their message was successfully delivered and understood, and these are the ones people tend to love.

Kamaria Tilley, Independent Artist

Achickwitbeatz: What are five qualities/skills you admire about the performers who inspire you?
Kamaria: Work ethic , style , the way the artist knows how to get the crowd to participate , how an artist sings from their heart with passion in a way you can feel every note, and the motivation from an artist.

Valid, Independent Artist

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 attributes/skills an artist should have to make your top 10 list?
Valid: 1. Charisma- This is the IT factor that cant be taught or gained with practice. You just have to have that appealing factor that makes you so compelling that people already gave you their attention before you even start performing or even demanded it. It is just your aura. This goes for any one- MCs, dancers, DJ's, comedians, actors, pro-wrestlers, it's just in the way you move, talk, operate that attracts people towards you. You can't turn it on/off, it's just you.
2. Originality- This is the hardest one because there is nothing new under the sun. Any idea you've got has already popped into 1,000 other people's head. But you can do it in a way it's never been done before and put your twist on it. So whether it be flow, content or whatever, it has to be fresh as hell the way the certain individual does it, that it's forever known as their style.
3. Complexity - Show me that you have to be a truly special person to be able to do what you do because it is not simple. Whether you have just a God given talent that makes it easy for you, or you practiced your ass off day in and day out to be as good as you are, show me that not any average person can not do what you do by the fine detail in your art and doing something that has a very high level of difficulty.
4. Simplicity- Making all the stuff I said on number three look easy. Doing the most difficult of task, but doing it with ease and style. Spitting the most complex rhymes without being over the listener's head.
5. Lyrics- I know this is very broad and subjective, but say some witty clever intelligent sh*t that was so well articulated it makes me spazz out and make me wild out.

Dave Gutter, Independent Artist

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 attributes/skills an artist should have to make your top 10 list?Dave Gutter: 1.  Rap Skillz
                       2. Album Structure
                       3. Consistency across your catalog.
                       4. Relatability
                       5. Being cooler than me, and that's not easy.

Get Bucc, DJ

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 attributes/skills an artist should have to make your top 10 list?
Get Bucc:
1. Rap about something your listeners want to hear- everything don't have to be about guns, killing, hoes and all.
2. Have a radio edit verse. I get artists who always give me tracks that's not radio edited.
3. Feel the music. Rap with the beat of the track- don't just put anything down.
4. Give me something that will rock the crowd.  I need anything I know once it comes on, my crowd is wildin' out!
5. Be different, but not too different.  Stand out to the point that the listeners will be like "yo that's _______(artist name)"

Praverb, Independent Artist, Blogger

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 attributes/skills an artist should have to be listed in your top 10?
Praverb: Personality
               Creativity
               Interpersonal Skills
               Stage Presence
               Ability to Learn

Achickwitbeatz: What do you look for in a song when deciding what to put into rotation?
DJ Niko: When I listen to a song the main thing I look for is to see if it makes me move- I.e a head nod, a foot stomp, anything.  That's the main thing I want to do as a DJ is make people move.  I also look at other things such a BPM, the mood of the song, the flow of the song... hit/club records normally jump out at you and scream "PLAY ME NOW!"

Brian Felsen, Former President of CD Baby, Independent Artist

Achickwitbeatz: What would you say are the most important characteristics an independent artist should possess in order to be successful?
Brian Felsen: A natural talent and inclination toward a specific medium is the single most important skill an artist can have. That, plus tenacity. Of course, in the modern era, entrepreneurship and self-promotion can't hurt, but I'm less interested in art-as-business than art-as-art. If you can monetize it and find an audience, great; but if not, as long as you can feed your family from other income sources, and if you don't stop making art, you're (in the words of Charlie Sheen) "winning."

DaZoo, Independent Artists

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 skills/attributes an artist should have to make your top 10 list?
DaZoo:
Honesty – the ability to convey truth in your music and be truthful in your relationships
Integrity – the capacity to stay true to the ideas behind your music and why you created it
Fearlessness – the ability to step outside of your comfort zone and experiment with your art
Creativity – the talent to be able to come up with new ideas and concepts or ways to express old ideas in a new way
Passion – the unwavering desire to create and work towards completing a project or reaching a goal through trials and tribulations

Masud Merch Music, Independent Record Label Executive

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 skills/attributes that would put an artist in your top 10 list?
Masud Merch Music: Rhymestyle, personality, voice, style of dress, business sense.

Fusion, Independent Artist

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 attributes/skills that would put an artist in your top 10 list?
Fusion: Delivery, lyrics, style, creativity, tone....in no particular order

Awthentik, Independent Artist, Recording Engineer

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 attributes/skills an artist should have to make your top 10 list?Awthentik: Foremost, I am impressed by lyrical skill. I'm from an era of hip hop where that was and still is important. Second would have to be wordplay. You know, not just rhyming one word with word, but actually rhyming with 3 and 4 words at a time within a couple of bars. Third, originality. Fourth would probably be presence. If you want to be heard you have to sound convincing. Really bothers me hearing a rapper who sounds like he is reading. And last, a good live show. I'm not trying to see my favorite artist on stage winded, out of breath, and not quite the person you heard on the studio version.

Mz. Jae, Poet, Entertainer

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 attributes/skills that would put an artist on your top 10 list?
Mz. Jae: Clever
               Smooth approach
               Extraordinary delivery
               Dope presentation
               Humility

Phire Free, Poet, Model, Speaker

Achickwitbeatz: What are the top 5 things you respect about independent/freelance artists?Phire Free: Artistry is scary. I'm laughing, but I'm serious. I respect anyone that pours their heart out through their art. I respect honesty, creativity and creating newer surfaces. I respect all of those of us hybrids that bridge gaps through art. I respect anyone that's been hustling for years. It's all work and it takes endurance.

Fable, Poet, Host

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 qualities that would place an artist in your top 10 list?
Fable: Heart, intentions, humility, professionalism, talent. In that order.

Bruno Browning, Independent Record Label Executive

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 qualities/skills that would place an artist in your top 10 list?
Bruno Browning:
-Love of music
-Walking their own path musically
-Hard working
-Consistency
-Not taking themselves too serious

Sheba Shane, Independent Artist

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 skills/attributes that would place an artist on your top 10 list?
Sheba Shane: 1. I like witty artists
                        2. Wordplay/Vocab
                        3. Flow
                        4. Story-telling
                        5. Creativity

Ashim, Independent Artist

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 attributes that would put an artist on your top 10 list?
Ashim: Content is number one. I've spent most of my life breaking down lyrics like most hip hop kids and I've come to believe lyrical miracles aren't worth a tenth of substance. Song structure is important. Sometimes being overly lyrical can subtract from the whole of a song, or sometimes a beat is too dope, too imposing, or sometimes a message is heavy handed. You have to have not just all the ingredients but the right balance to make a dope song, and that's song structure in a nutshell. Social relevance, track record, and impact all figure pretty heavily in my top 10 too. 

H, Independent Artist

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 skills/attributes that would place an artist on your top 10 list?
H: Energy
     Message
     Style
     Production
     ...that's it.

Saan Solo, Independent Artist

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 skills/attributes that would place an artist on your top 10 list?
Saan Solo: Lyricism (wordplay, cadence, delivery)
                   Creativity
                   Subject matter/concepts
                   Uniqueness
                   Longevity/consistency

WuZee, Independent Artist

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 attributes/skills that would place an artist on your top 10 list?
WuZee: Longevity
              Originality
              Vision
              Rhymes
              Swagger

Torben, Independent Artist, Filmmaker

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 skills/attributes that would place an artist on your top 10 list?
Torben: 1. Honesty
              2. Sincerity/Thoughtfulness
              3. Creativity
              4. A respect for the tradition and where they fit in
              5. Relatability

KeSera, Poet, Entertainer

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 skills/attributes that would place an artist in your top 10 list?
KeSera: Creativity
               Delivery
               Insight (what did I learn from your piece)
               Captivation (were you able to keep me interested)
               Confidence (do you believe in self)

Santos Taíno, Poet

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 attributes/skills that would place an artist on your top 10 list?
Santos Taíno: Honesty
                        Well-studied
                        Extensive vocabulary
                        Visualization
                        Vocalization

Miles Bonny, Independent Artist, Musician

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 attributes/skills that would place an artist on your top 10 list?Miles Bonny: Originality, Genuineness, Listenability, new approaches to genres or sounds ive heard before, forward thinking. They have to do something better or different from everyone else i have in my record collection. Or why listen again? I might as well listen to whoever does whatever the best, from ALL OF TIME. Compete with all of history and all of forever.

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Conversations & Quotables: Q&A with Santos Taíno

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I caught up with the incredible New York poet, Santos Taíno aka "The Sensual Angel" and had a brief Q&A session with him. He shared his experiences & insight into the world of artistry. Peep it.

Achickwitbeatz: Who is Santos Taíno?

Santos Taíno: Taino is the pride of my culture, so it has special meaning for me because it is the cultural name of my forefathers. I'm originally from the South Bronx, a product of those streets. That experience never leaves us, but I believe we can become more than what the gutter teaches us. Fight for every inch and never let your dream die.
 

Achickwitbeatz: When did you discover that you needed poetry to be a part of your life?

Santos Taíno: At a very early age I discovered that putting your feelings on paper and vocalizing your emotions, you find peace.

Achickwitbeatz: What is the most valuable thing you've learned since you began performing?

Santos Taíno: Poetry is never about you. Poetry is the reality of your perception.
Painting pictures in the mind of your audiences where they are in touch with you.

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 attributes/skills that would place an artist on your top 10 list?

Santos Taíno: Honesty
                        Well-studied
                        Extensive vocabulary
                        Visualization
                        Vocalization

Achickwitbeatz: Conversely, what are 5 attributes that would place an artist at the very bottom of your list?

Santos Taíno: Jealousy
                        Self-centered
                        Repetitive
                        Unprepared
                        Boastful

Achickwitbeatz: What can people expect from Santos Taíno?

Santos Taíno: People can expect the type of poetry that moves them. Something that has some type of meaning for them.

Achickwitbeatz: How can people connect with you and stay current with what you have in the works?

Facebook- https://m.facebook.com/santos.t.santiago?ref=bookmark

Santos remixed two of his pieces together and had the ladies going crazy....

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Conversations & Quotables: Q&A with KeSera

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I had the chance to catch up with the phenomenally talented traveling poet/entertainer, KeSera.  In this brief Q&A she shares her insight on utilizing the gift of creativity and using personal struggle to propel towards triumph while encouraging others along the way.

Achickwitbeatz: Who is KeSera?

KeSera: My name is a funny story. I used to be a rapper. I was noticed by a well known DJ in Chicago named Titan. When he first heard me rap, he loved it and asked me did I have a stage name. I didn't so he came up with Krazy Kase. LOL I used to LOVE THAT NAME. I went on to record music under that name and as I got older I eventually dropped the "Krazy" and kept Kase. Me being who I am, I wanted my name to have a meaning so as I matured in life I changed it to KeSera. You can still call me KeS (Kase) for short and KeKe; which is another child hood/professional nickname. I was able to keep my identity in this name. Its symbolism is so deep and free that it also prohibits me from being put into a box as its meaning, when spelled in its natural form, is "whatever will be will be". Thanks Doris Day for the idea. I felt that the name fit me well. 

Achickwitbeatz: When did you discover your love for poetry?

KeSera: I was always a writer. As I stated above I started as a rapper. I was forced to walk away from the business to raise my son and to finish up school. Not until my play sister, Brianna Bri Eazy Olgesby, told me to come to an open mic at this place called Jus Joking, didn't even know I knew how to do spoken word. I was just reciting a rap I had at the time; just slowed it down to fit the venue. As I began to venture out into it a little more, I was awarded many different stages and the RESPONSES from event goers had me stuck! I mean, they were in tears about how my stories of survival has given them a new view on how to deal with their own personal situations. SUCH A BLESSING! I then began to use it as therapy for self. I get to be me when I do poetry, not too many expectations outside of be on time and prepared to spit and any given...lol I seriously cant see myself without it at this point. IT's a connection with God that Ive missed so long in my personal life. 

Achickwitbeatz: What would you say is the most valuable thing you've learned since you began performing?

KeSera: BE ACCOUNTABLE for your words and actions. IT is a gift to be able to lead and seed through both so you have to be careful what message you are sending. Always be prepared for any and all unforeseen things. Its rough out here. I was surprised to find that its just as cut throat as the rap game but as long as you walk in God's purpose, then you should be all good.  

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 skills/attributes that would place an artist in your top 10 list?

KeSera: Creativity
               Delivery
               Insight (what did I learn from your piece)
               Captivation (were you able to keep me interested)
               Confidence (do you believe in self)

Achickwitbeatz: Conversely, what are 5 attributes that would place an artist at the very bottom of your list?

KeSera: OVERLY COCKY/EGOS
              Poor Research/Incorrect facts
              Timid on the mic
              LAZY, LAZY LAZY (always want someone to give an opportunity and never want
              to work for it)
              Did I say COCKY lol 

Achickwitbeatz: What's next on the horizon for Ke Sera?

I am really taking my time in this. Getting my feel for the genre as a whole. I am currently under artist management with Strawberri Taylor and can be seen performing across the country for her show Verbal Intercourse; which is one of the hottest Erotic Poetry shows in the country. I am also performing personalized pieces for weddings, bridal showers, birthdays etc and want to expand in that as the response and love shown is so fulfilling. I ultimately want to become a public speaker using poetry as a base in discussion. The rest, you have to wait for as God told me to keep it under wraps until its time for it to materialize so you will have to hang around to find out. :) I really want to be a voice for the people and say them in the words the people think and feel. God is doing a mighty work in me and for that, I say thank you cuz mannnn, HIS vision for me is so profound. HE'S PREPARING ME :) I plan on retaining my membership with POET (People of Extraordinary Talent) as it feeds the community aspect. Community Service is a must so I will be looking for other ways to expand in that area as well. IT's hard where I live and I really can't afford nothing but my time so POET allows me to do just that...UNTIL what's for me manifests. 

Achickwitbeatz: How can people connect with you and stay current with what you have in the works?

KeSera: I or my manager can can be reached by email:
              kesera.poet@gmail.com
              strawberri_t@yahoo.com

              or by cell: 262-909-5776

P.O.E.T ALL-STAR KE SERA

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Conversations & Quotables: Q&A with Torben

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In this brief Q&A multi-talented lyricist and filmmaker, Torben shares his relationship with artistry, the benefits of being independent and the importance of remaining committed to your passion.

Achickwitbeatz: Who is Torben?

Torben: When I am at my best, I am a maker. Torben is a family name, dating back to my great-grandfather, so it also is a reminder for me to continue a legacy paved by inspiring men before me. Lately, I've mostly been working on documentaries and music. I'd like to think that my underlying desire to create can be translated into any project and that I would add to whatever room I find myself in. I take creation a bit seriously (probably too seriously) and feel out of sorts if any days lapse without working on one project or another. 

Achickwitbeatz: When did you discover your artistic side and that you needed it to be a part of your life?

Torben: I think for me it was less of a discovery and more of an environment I was born into. My parents are both artists and my earliest memories involve sitting in the theater watching dress rehearsals. We would often drive home critiquing the performance we'd seen and, as you got older, your opinions began to carry more weight. The question was always "what TYPE of artist are you going to be?" My parents were probably surprised when my brother Anagram and I refused to participate in theater and instead spent hours upon hours working on hip-hop songs. Growing up, art was always something I did for enjoyment. It replaced sports in early high school and my dedication was serious. I went home every day and saturated my life with music and writing. I barely made it through high school because my mind was elsewhere. It wasn't until I was about 24 that my crush on art grew into a real relationship that includes all of the inherent struggles of trying to make a living and the frequent downs of making. It was then that I realized, despite the disadvantages, I was going to keep working and trying to improve my craft in various areas. When you pass the idea of thinking of creating as strictly enjoyable, and instead begin thinking of it as a rewarding struggle, you've entered into a new relationship beyond a hobby.

Achickwitbeatz: What would you say is the most rewarding thing about being an independent artist?

Torben: As an independent artist you have the freedom to completely control creative decisions. Your decisions have consequences, but the ups and downs are all received and interpreted by you. You can bring things out into the world directly and gather feedback from audiences. You are also often in charge of your time management and the way you present your ideas through various platforms. 

Achickwitbeatz: What would you say is the biggest challenge for independent artists to overcome?

Torben: Indifference. There are many other challenges, typically related to resources and exposure, but I personally feel like there is always the looming presence of indifference. It can be difficult to know how to best engage the right niches and find the audiences who will respond enthusiastically to your work. Perceived or real indifference is particularly dangerous because it feeds on the insecurities you already possess and can kill your motivation to continue. I think, at some point, something deeper than instant audience gratification has to drive you, because it can take a really long time for others to see value in what you make. With some exceptions, when you look at the biographies of most artists, it took them a lot of years of creating in the dark before others gained interested in them. We sometimes forget that many of our favorite artists never achieved "success" in their lifetime. An artist I admire once said that there is always an "art coefficient" -- an unknown variable that your work is up against. You never know what "x" will be and you have to weather the times when, for one reason or another, it is indifference. There are a lot of people working hard and getting their work out. You are one of them and your work matters, but you cannot control the reception of your creative endeavors. Most independent creators are up against indifference, not haters.

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 skills/attributes that would place an artist on your top 10 list?

Torben: 1. Honesty
              2. Sincerity/Thoughtfulness
              3. Creativity
              4. A respect for the tradition and where they fit in
              5. Relatability

Achickwitbeatz: Conversely, what are 5 attributes that would place an artist at the very bottom of your list?

Torben: 1. Contrivance
             2. Insincerity
             3. Unoriginal
             4. Unwarranted ego
             5. No personality in the work

Achickwitbeatz: If you could offer any piece of advice to multi-talented artists, what would it be?

Torben: Even if you are involved in a lot of difference projects, try to dedicatedly focus your work on one at a time. I work best and make the most progress when I force myself to immerse myself in the task at-hand. I personally think it's fine to spread yourself out into different projects that feed you in unique ways, but when you do, you'll notice quickly that it's hard not to feel fragmented. I studied Integrated Studies in school and one of my main takeaways is that you can focus multiple areas in service of one goal, but not without mindful and deliberate effort. I personally think my works gets much more interesting when I integrate my different influences, so it's worth the discipline. Everyone will tell you to put more work and time into becoming great at one thing, and maybe they are right, but I've never been able to do that because I look at working in different mediums like eating from different food groups.

Achickwitbeatz: What's next on the horizon for Torben?

Torben: I have a lot of exciting work on the horizon. I am excited to announce that my old group M.E.D. (Mental Elastic Dynasty) is reuniting for an upcoming EP. We are already in the process and I'm excited to soon begin sharing some new music with our fans. I am also currently working on a number of documentary projects. A documentary I am co-producing entitled "Street Fighting Man" that follows three Detroit men fighting to build something lasting for themselves and future generations (http://www.streetfightingmanthemovie.com/) is on its way to audiences soon. I am also working on short documentary collaborations in SLC, where I live, and could possibly release up to five new movies in 2014. Finally, I am working on an upcoming feature covering both sides of the marriage equality debate in Utah. Other than that, each day I'm just trying to push the boulder up the mountain, little by little, in hopes that all of the work is leading to further recognition and sustainability. 

Achickwitbeatz: How can people connect with you to stay current with what you have in the works?

Torben: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/torben.bernhard
              Twitter - @torbenb
              Instagram - torbenbernhard
              Vimeo - https://www.vimeo.com/ohomedia

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Conversations & Quotables: Q&A with WuZee

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In this brief Q&A I had with talented Michigan emcee WuZee, he shares his love for the craft, his inspiration and some valuable viewpoints for independent artists.

Achickwitbeatz: Who is WuZee?

WuZee: (Lol) for sure, but first I would like to say I can only be myself at all times so if anything I say offends people you should get a life.  With that being said, my philosophies on music would be "do the right thing", "be yourself", "have a vision", "respect the n**gas who did it first", "have fun", "positivity energy activates constant elevation", and "love is love" (lol).  In a nut shell it's realer than that I'm just not a typer. So yeah, for the most part.
Where I'm from? I am from Grand Rapids, but for the past 5 or 6 years I've been back and forth from GR to Kzoo I've lived every where in GR I've been every where in GR. Shoutout to every one I f*ck with...y'all know who y'all are.  But Kalamazoo...I feel like there is something to offer here so I guess that's why i keep ending back up out here. Shoutout to Kzoo and the people tryin' to play their roll, y'all know who y'all are too!
My stage name? Well, Wuzee started off as Wuzee D.  I used to gang bang when I was a kid or whatever and I was/am a drinker lol so yeah, then I was like 16.  I got a little older and got knowledge of self so Wuzee D turned into Wise Universe Allah. Ok, so I could break that down more but like that's a lot sooo yeah...but that's pretty much the whole name situation.  But I am who I am and at the end of the day, I will be who I will be (lol) and that's pretty much WuZee good bad or ugly.

Achickwitbeatz: When did you first discover that you needed music to be a part of your life?

WuZee: I first discovered music needed to be apart of my life when I was a kid, as young as I can remember! My mom and her 2 sisters (my aunts) were crazy groupie Prince fans (lol) so like my whole life has just been that kinda swag...and on top of that my granny put me on like oldies like doo-wop and sh*t so I know everything about music from 50-90s- big ups to my granny- I love you! But as far as Hip Hop, I would have to give it up to my cousin Sean. I have always been a writer but as far as being young and exposed to sh*t as it's coming out was just f**king crazy because people talk about Dilla and Madlib and DOOM 'n' sh*t, but were never really listening to them when it was really first coming out.  I was fortunate to be able to because this fool R.I.P. "Mr. Muther F**king Everything" was always on everything off rip like he had an "okay player" since the beginning so like even to this day I'm enlightened...it's crazy.  So once we linked up and started going through the sh*t and finding our spot, sh*t just started happening and then from that point on I really have been living this music thing...and like it's way bigger than Hip Hop.  

Achickwitbeatz: What would you say is the most rewarding thing about being an independent artist?

WuZee: That's a tough question. I would like to say the feeling of knowing people feel you for being you, but half the time people are just losing money because they're in a city where they're getting slept on so they give all this money and hard work away for free.  Which if you're just a part-time rhymer or whatever then yeah do that, but if you're tryin' to be for real you got to be smarter than that. So everybody has a skill and my skill is rhyming 'n' not going to come off my money then a work a bulls**t job for just for nothing. Have a vision.

Achickwitbeatz: What is the most valuable lesson you've learned since you became an artist?

WuZee: "If you build it...they will come."

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 attributes/skills that would place an artist on your top 10 list?

WuZee: Longevity
              Originality
              Vision
              Rhymes
              Swagger

Achickwitbeatz: Conversely, what are 5 attributes that would place an artist at the very bottom of your list?

WuZee: D**k riding
              Biting styles
              Wack rhymes
              Too much swag
              Money dumb sh*t

Achickwitbeatz: What can people expect from WuZee?

WuZee: MORE OF THAT RAW SH*T! The plotting never stops and the sidewalk will be taken back, my word is my bond!

Achickwitbeatz: How can people connect with you and stay current with what you have in the works?

WuZee: https://www.facebook.com/wu.doncornelius

That's my direct hook up, just message me or add.  I'm blocked for life from sending friend requests so yeah do it up! Trying to get away from the social medias so hopefully I will see you all in person! Peace everyone #footclan #cultgang #bnfv #brokenfamous #screwface 

BROKE N FAMOUS.ENT www.facebook.com/brokenfamous.ent Video Directed And Edited By DOUGIE FUNZ

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