Meet LaVeda
Jan 15, 2012 Stars with a Pen, Today's Stars
On Saturday January 14, 2012, Conversations Hostess Diana Broomfield was blessed by a visit from the eclectic, talented, songstress, poet, producer, La Veda
La Veda is a soft spoken dynamo. She was introduced to various forms of music from her Father. At the age of seven she started her musical journey from her birth place of Miami Florida. She has been featured in TRACE magazine’s 1998’s Women in Music issue along with LAURYN HILL, MISSY ELLIOT, ERYKAH BADU, and JANET JACKSON, claiming the number nine (#9) spot. Not being confined to only singing, La Veda uses spoken word to help develop her songwriting skills and craft. In 1999, she took part in the DOUBLE TALK 3, HIP-HOP & RAP/POETRY festival in Amsterdam, featuring BAHAMADIA.
Listen to the interview and the music then find LaVeda on ReverbNation, Last FM, Bandcamp and Facebook.
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Tags: arranger, composer, funk, happy, Harmony, independent, independent record label, Jazz, music, Old School, performer, poet, preformer, producer, RnB, smooth, songwriter, Soulful, Talent, Vocalist
The Dopeless Hope Fiend
Nov 1, 2011 Business Helping Others, Stars with a Pen
The Dopeless Hope Fiend is a autobiographical book written by Michael Charles Givens
Michael was our guest on Internet Marketers Network Business Hour. He shared how the book came to be as well as why he wrote it. Michael spoke of the group he started on Facebook, Hope Fiends as well as his up and coming book of Devotions. In addition, he gave away a free book. You can befriend Michael on Facebook and like his page, The Dopeless Hope Fiend. Most important, buy his book. Get your copy by sending Michael an email to : thedopelesshopefiend20@yahoo.com
And by all means, listen to the interview and become inspired.
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Tags: addiction, encouragement, giving back, inspiration, motivation, online, poet, recovery, support, Uplifting, writer
Update on Ms Katrina Gurl
Aug 30, 2011 Beyond The Music, Business Helping Others, Stars with a Pen, Today's Authors
On August 27, 2011
We caught up with Katrina Gurl, Poet, Author, Publisher, and Networker, to see what’s been happening since her last visit to Conversations and we found out she’s been quite the Busy Bee. Not only has she completed the second book in the series The Balcony View, this one subtitled Peeking Through the Innuendos, which is due to be released this October, but She and partner Nita Bee have started their own Publishing company are are set to release an Anthology of works by members of their group Steamy Trails and there is still more to learn about Katrina’s endeavors. Take a listen to the interview and find out how you can keep up with all that’s going on and be a part of it if that is your desire. Check out the spicy writings on Put A Wedge In It and My Stiletto Dreams using the links below.
Stay up with the novella series here
Here are some other links into the world of Katrina Gurl
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Tags: businesswoman, encouragement, giving back, independent, motivation, network, poet, supporter, writer
Spoken Word
Aug 14, 2011 Beyond The Music, Home Page, Stars with a Pen, Worthy Charities
August 13, 2011
Our guest, Spoken Word returned to Conversations and talked about her craft, her passion for the REAL Hip – Hop and her Activism.
Spoken Word also talked about her next project saying “It will be more political than her previous offerings.” and that is “Coming Hard” Spoken Word is also developing new talent. Find out more, keep up with her appearances and make a contribution to her efforts by going to her website. You can purchase her work from any download site like CDBaby, Napster, iTunes and the like. You can also check out her organization Word Life Production where you can also make a donation. Listen to the interview via the link below.
(EXPLICIT CONTENT)
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Tags: arranger, encouragement, giving back, hip-hop, independent, independent record label, motivation, Old School, poet, preformer, writer
Tommy Brewster
May 12, 2011 Beyond The Music, Stars with a Pen, Today's Stars
In the last 4 years or so I have met many musicians, singers, writers, composers and arrangers, but every now and again, I have come across a soul in it for the sake of the music. The most recent being Tommie Brewster.
Tommie began her musical life before the age of 4, playing piano and later several other instruments. She graduated from the Royal Academy of Music in London where she had begun a life long love affair with the works of Frederic Chopin!
However, musical influences at home were many- from jazz to ragtime, blues to rock, reggae to swing – and it was the blues that spoke loudest to Tommie’s heart and soul.
It was her dream to write, perform, arrange, record and produce her own distinctive music and this has now been achieved.
All musicians absorb so many influences, but Tommie does not knowingly imitate, replicate or emulate anyone – Tommie’s music in many different styles – just is what it is.
Tommie is into the music, completely, Tommie is the music. She says she writes everyday and judging from the abundance of tracks she sent me, I believe. Tommie is delightful, but you needn’t take my word for it. Have a Listen for yourself.
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Let’s hear it for Queen of the Blues of New Zealand Ms Tommie Brewster
Tags: arranger, blues, composer, funk, independent, independent record label, music, musician, performer, piano, poet, singer, singing, smooth, songwriter, Soulful, Talent
Spoken Word Interviews with Angela Jellison of Boston Write Out Loud
Oct 30, 2010 Beyond The Music, Legends, Spiritual Life, Stars with a Pen, Today's Stars
From Left to Right, Dl Davis, Spoken Word, EMichele Paul, Angela Žunić Poetic Works Event-Oceanside, CA
Angela Jellison
Is being a writer an occupation or definite lifestyle for you? How so?
Spoken Word
I consider my ability to write a gift from God. The desire to write has stuck with me throughout my entire life. I find writing to be more of a lifestyle because it’s something I’ve always done and like doing. I have a big imagination that gives me a passionate desire to create new things. As I’ve matured through life experiences, God has found a way to reach me as well as others through the gift that he birthed inside of me long ago.
Angela Jellison
When did you first become fully conscious or aware that you were a writer? What were your early perceptions of being a writer and how did race or gender play into your perception?
Spoken Word
I never defined myself as a writer growing up. I always considered myself a Poet or Emcee. It wasn’t until I was about 18 years old when I begin to write Screenplays and Stage Plays that I considered myself a writer. Race and Gender didn’t play a major role in my life when I first perceived I was a writer. I was not culturally aware of who I was because the only education I received about Black history was during black history month. It wasn’t until I was around twenty years old when I became fully aware that racism was still alive and I was a victim of it. I learned a lot through life experiences about being a black woman in America. Today I believe that God gave me the gift to rebuild, rebuke and encourage those that need to be encouraged; also to educate in areas such as cultural awareness, spirituality, health and mental well being.
Angela Jellison
How do you define Creative Survival?
Spoken Word
Hmm…, that’s a tuff one;
Creative Survival-Being able to produce creatively through hardship, perseverance, negativity, and endurance without letting any of the above have a negative impact on the gift itself.
Angela Jellison
Do you apply this idea of creative survival to the reception and viability of your work within, or outside of the mainstream media? In other words, how do you resist dismantling or the complicated politics of large publishing houses? (by politics I am referring to what black women writers are “expected” to write-how do you resist the editorial revision of your voice)
Spoken Word
I do apply the definition of creative survival to the quality and viability of my work within and outside the mainstream media. It is hard being a black female writer, especially in a world where black women are defined as being weak and materialistic. I believe in order to change how we are defined we must first change the visual image that is promoted through mainstream media. A woman must know what makes them beautiful. It’s not the outer appearance, but what’s inside that counts. If a woman truly identifies with herself, mainstream media would not be able to control the way she wishes to be perceived. Too many female writers neglect to find their own voices out of fear they will be not be heard; afraid to be anything outside of what sells. Some even consider themselves the product because that’s what they’ve been taught by Corporate America. That’s why it’s important to know your history. Black Slaves were considered a product for sale in Corporate America during those times. Until we come to the realization that we are individuals that produce a product that can be sold, the image of us as black women will remain the same. Understanding who I am and what I was purposed to do, gives me the motivation and determination to stand firm in what I believe. And it also gives me a visual image on how I wish to be perceived as a writer and Poet. I’ve become immune to rejection from those that do not wish to display the stronger image of a black woman. My voice has been overridden by those that refuse to understand or accept my history. I have been criticized by those who think I’m not traditionally spiritual enough, and those who feel I should create a more commercial sound. I have been abandoned by those who feel the need to be heard through my voice. So I call myself Spoken Word because it is through the Spoken Word of God that I am able to succeed.
Angela Jellison
What authors’ lives/experiences have encouraged or discouraged you? Do you have a mirror self? In other words, do you find yourself and or your work reflected in the experiences of authors such as Audre Lorde, Jun Jordan, Mayo Angelou, Alice Walker, etc.
Spoken Word
Sojourner Truth is one of the first black female poets I remember reading about. I remember her vividly because I was her in a high school presentation during Black History month. I performed, “Ain’t I a Woman”; a poem that was delivered by her in 1851 at the Women’s Convention in Akron, Ohio. There were a lot of things I did not understand back then. You never understand a woman until you become one. Now I can stand tall and ask the world, “Ain’t I a Woman?”
I can walk as much and talk as much as a man when I can get to it, and bear the lash as well.
Sojourner Truth 1851
My art is a reflection of poets such as Sojourner Truth, Audre Lorde, June Jordan, Alice Walker, and Mayo Angelou. They all know and knew the worth of a black woman. Not just because they are black women, but because they sought to understand their purpose here in this world as black women through their own individual experiences.
I compare myself to Audre Lorde because I too identify issues of class, race, age, gender and health through my work. In comparison to June Jordan, the racial turmoil of America set my path to social activism. My most shaping experiences came through child and adolescence just as Alice Walker. I’ve absorbed the unshakable faith and values of traditional African American family community just like Mayo Angelou.
My reflection of Mayo Angelou tells me that “I am a women phenomenally; a phenomenal woman, that’s me!”
Angela Jellison
What positions or jobs have you maintained to support your work? How has this contributed or subtracted from your identity as a writer? Do you think working an outside job to support your work is distracting or able to balance this divide? How so?
Spoken Word
I’ve worked in Law and Government. Working under educated middle class and first class people has given me a deeper understanding of the human experience overall. I’ve learned whether rich or poor, young or old, black or white, ignorance can be found on all levels of life. Honestly working under government officials has been a more positive experience than the racial discrimination I experienced working with attorneys at law a few years before. It was through the totality of that experience that opened my eyes to the deprivation of civil rights in the state of Virginia. Through that job, I discovered who I am as a black woman, and how strong I am, as well as those before me. It provoked me to learn more about my history, and exposed the ignorance of some of those within our own race who claim to fight for civil rights in the African American Community, but really don’t. I believe the real Civil Rights fight died along with some of the strongest Civil Rights leaders such as Martin Luther King and W.E.B. Dubois. Nowadays we just stone each other to death which means Willie Lynch’s method worked. We were trained from slaves to always fight one another and only trust outside cultures. History is deep and only repeats itself. It is up to us to break those chains in our own culture.
The work I do is not distracting at all to me. I work in a quiet area that allows me the time to really think. As a Writer, it is important to think, learn, and study more; especially if you intend to be a great writer. You have to know the world that surrounds you while being able to discern the good from the bad. I was watching T.D. Jake’s movie, “Women Thou Art Loosed!”, and there was a scene where he was ministering to a young lady behind bars. T. D. Jakes told her, “We give the devil too much credit.” Her response was, “no, we just under estimate him.”
Angela Jellison
Are you the first writer in your family or are you from a generation of writers? How have your family and friends received supported/negated your choices?
As a child, I watched my mother write short stories. My mother was deprived of an education to help care for her nine brothers and sisters. Because of that, she was not able to fulfill her dream as a writer. My dad writes music as well. He was in a band when we were much younger. My mother supports me fully. Although she was unable to fulfill her dreams, she still writes and encourages me to do the same. According to my mother, “you should never give up on your dreams.” Life is hard yet survivable.” Through hardships and trials, I find that to be true.
Write Out Loud Boston
Joyce Angela Jellison
Founder/Director/Workshop Facilitator
http://writeoutloud.yolasite.com/
www.reverbnation.com/spokenword1
Tags: activist, composer, education, encouragement, giving back, Harmony, independent, justice, motivation, Old School, poet, polictical, preformer, smooth, Soulful, Talent, Uplifting
ChromaticS – “Crowned Prince of Hip-Hop”
Jun 5, 2010 Home Page, Today's Stars
Our Special Guest on June 5, 2010 was ChromaticS. An Attractive, Talented and Humble Young Man. When I told him I had read that he was the “Crowned Prince of Hip-Hop”, he responded, …”Well, maybe in Trinidad and Tobago”
Here is his interview:
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Then enjoy the videos:History:
Chromatics was born Richard Raj-Kumar on the 18th August, 1982 in the island of Trinidad. Trinidad is known as the land of Carnival and Soca Music, Chromatics however felt more at home with the Hip Hop element. Chromatics grew up with Heltah Skeltah, Jay-Z, Biggie Smalls and Rakim and with his cousins’ encouragement he began to write hip hop songs when he was twelve years old. This led Chromatics down a long and arduous road that would mould his character and test his resolve.
Chromatics joined up with “Spotrushaz”, at the time a young and developing group of rappers, and began to really consider making music his career. “Spotrushaz” quickly transformed into the most recognizable Hip Hop act in the country and they were constantly working. The group released a flurry of singles (and videos) and radio stations took note. “Triniman”, “True Soldierz”, “Mary Warner”, “Put the Chips Up”, “Blow” and more recently “Iron” cemented the group’s name and allowed the group to perform alongside some of the world’s biggest hit makers. They opened for the likes of Ms. Jade, Sean Paul, Slick Rick, Dougie Fresh, Shannon, Lloyd E Stef, Bounty Killer and Elephant Man.
Chromatics eventually parted with the group in 2006 and formed Highway Records Ltd. with his manager and business partner Stuart Fortuné. He has since released his debut solo album “Against The Grain” which sold very well. The album included many hit singles such as “Start It”, “Put It Up”, “Basement Party” and “The Ballad”.
In 2008 Chromatics began to be recognized as the #1 Hip Hop act in the Caribbean. He performed dozens of times including the Virgin Atlantic Barbados Music Festival, the Heineken Green Synergy Trinidad DJ Finals and Southern Caribbean Finals and also hosted Jus Jase/ Highway Records “I Am Hip Hop 1 ,2 &3. Chromatics was also able to release two Hit singles in 2008, “Take Over” and “Money Back” which were both heavily rotated on various local radio stations.
Chromatics continued his reign in 2009 with the release of “The Beat (Keep It Moving)” (Single and Video) and “They Know”. With this hit single release he was featured on Source Magazine in April 2009. He was chosen to represent Hip Hop at the Hennessy Artistry Trinidad’s concert at Club Zen in April. In June Chromatics traveled to Toronto Canada to perform at the North by North East Music Festival where he was among the top five in Roger’s Fan Choice Awards. This was being done all while producing and hosting “The Grind” (the only weekly Hip Hop radio program in the Caribbean at the time). In November Chromatics became the first artist to be allotted a one hour Live special on Synergy TV’s Friday Night Live. This show, “A Rebel Without A Pause”, received very high ratings and showcased his versatility as a performer interacting with a live band.
Chromatics is currently working on the release of his sophomore solo album “The Glass Ceiling” which should be released in 2010. He has just completed shooting the video for the albums’ first single “Cold Blooded” and is expecting to release it worldwide as soon as January. A collaborative mixtape with Bang Em Smurf titled “Caribbean Heat Wave” should also be out soon. He’s also busy with Highway Records “On Top Fridays” where he showcases Trinidad’s new and upcoming Hip Hop artist. Chromatics has been grinding many years and now has the assistance of S-Con Promotions. S-Con Promotions is an international promotion company and this alliance has already paid dividends with the recent release of “The Science of Colors” CD recently released in France and countless on air interviews across Europe and North America.
Chromatics doesn’t plan to take a rest anytime soon and with all of his success he still remains humble. He is open to any idea and enjoys spreading his music to the four corners of the globe. He is a serious lyricist and his versatility is unbounded. He intertwines the local Trini jargon with an international flow that leaves listeners amazed. His Stage presence is that of a seasoned veteran and he always leaves the crowd wanting more.
Tags: arranger, art, collaborator, composer, director, hip-hop, hot, independent record label, lyicist, motivation, music, performer, poet, prince, rapper, singer, smooth, storyteller, Vocalist, wrier
Zackery Ceasar and Yung Bam
Apr 19, 2010 Beyond The Music, Stars with a Pen, Today's Stars
Yung Bam and Zackery Cesar. Two young men who are doing big things and believe in “Networking with a Purpose”.
These fellows have had ambition and drive all their lives. They both hail from Louisiana.
Yung Bam
Young Bam started his writing career by writing down his feelings and once he reached middle school, he formed his own label called Eastside Entertainment. In his eight grade year, he started battling other local MC’s and earned his name Bam. The following year Eastside became Yung Ego Entertainment. Bam started recording all his Freestyle in his backyard on a computer in a Trailer. Later that year he was taken to a studio by Zackery Ceasar to record his first single “Remember Me” which was produced by Drumma Boi of Beat 2 Sleep Productions.
Zackery Ceasar
Zackery Ceasar was a shy kid who rose above it, it did not let shyness stand in the way of his dreams. At the age of 8 he was appointed as Miniature Deacon at his his church, he was also a choir boy and starred in several church plays. This helped him develop a love and respect for acting, poetry and the entertainment business. The realization that he knew at such a young age what he wanted to do frightened him a bit but not enough to deter him from his dream. It only reminded him that he had a lot of hard work ahead of him. He stayed the course and eventually, in his Senior year of high school, he got an opportunity to to fly out to Orlando Florida to show off his talents before talent scouts in a talent search called “Talent Rock”.After he showed up and showed out, it resulted in several call backs, including John Daily, Director of the movie “Terminator” Although Daily didn’t have a part for Zackery at that time, he was very impressed with Zackery’s acting ability and felt compelled to give him an extensive coaching session on the entertainment business regarding networking and ways of getting more extension. Three months later Zackery landed another acting role in a short film called “Club Level”. He only had a few lines but it was one step in front of the other and that equated to productivity, and through his few lines, he continued to shine and win over audiences.
He had a few set backs, like the murder of an uncle, a best friend and his father. Despite these tragedies, he kept his eye on the prize. Of course he mourned his loses, but then bravely continued on his path. Then ht happened, he landed a major role in a theater play called “Jezebel On The Prowl”, directed by Rebecca Benjamin in his hometown of Monroe, La and the play “Don’t Get Caught Dead Without Jesus” directed by Jan Thomas in Jackson, MS. He continued H). The TSW motto was to network with a purpose. Zackery landed a featured role in The System Within Tariq Debit Card Commercial. He went on to land his most role, thus far, in a movie called “Messiah” His hard work is finally starting to pay off. He stars as “The Messiah” , which is presently still in production. and he has been in 3 or four other movies in which he is either the star or the co-star.
At the ripe age of 23, Zachary continues to push forward. He knows that no one can stop him but him. He already has “Star” status in his community. When asked what was the secret to his success, he replied , “When I set a goal, I don’t think and I don’t second guess. I just dive in head first with God in front. Listen to their interview and be inspired.
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Tags: actor, comedian, music, poet, producer, rapper, singer, singing, writer
