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Musiek is…………. the voice for indie artists, and those that support them!! Visit: www.musiekmagazine.com Checkout previous issues at www.issuu.com 5
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Featuring Shotgun
“Individuality is key, being an original version of yourself.�
Grizzly
www.musiekmagazine.com
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Contents
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DID You Know
International Wear:
pg 10
Azania Zulu
Intro: BCMG Meet Media’s Dynamic Duo!
Their mission is to rebuild Africa, instill positivity, revive creativity, inspire the youth to pursue the field of entrepreneurship
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pg 16
Venues pg 20
BuzzWorthy Artists: Blanche J – pg 28 Romonta - pg 32
28 Contributing Writers:
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Teka Rose #cwspeaks
Photographers: Silvio Suarez & J aka Julio
Photo contribution: Azania Zulu Write for Musiek Mag! Email us at urbantymes@hotmail.com 7
https://soundcloud.com/ahreemusic/ahree-vibe
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http://www.shableek.com/ 9
Did You Know…….
WORLDWIDE RADIO SUMMIT 2017: TRADITIONAL, STREAMING, DIGITAL, SATELLITE, MOBILE & MORE The seventh annual Worldwide Radio Summit, presented by A&R Worldwide and AllAccess.com, is set to return May 3rd – 5th 2017, at the W Hotel Hollywood. As the event prepares for another year of inspiring dialogue and insight, the Worldwide Radio Summit has already confirmed participation from leaders across the global broadcaster community. This is a must-attend event for anyone who interacts with radio in any form. Among the companies already confirmed to join this year’s programming are included: Amplifi Media, BBC Radio (UK), Beasley Broadcast Group, Benztown, CBS Radio, Cumulus/Westwood One, Emmis, iHeartMedia, Jacobs Media, Karnival (Turkey), Mediabase, MegaTrax, Mix Group, MusicMaster, Nielsen Audio, NuVooDoo Media Services, RAB, Radio X (UK), RCS, Reynolds Group,
Times Music (India), Triton Digital as well as other radio, streaming, digital and mobile platforms from N. America, S. America, Australia, Asia, Africa, Europe and Eastern Europe, which will be officially unveiled in the coming weeks. Over the past six years, the Worldwide Radio Summit has been attended by thousands of U.S. and international radio and record executives. The 2017 edition will continue to highlight some of the most important issues and opportunities impacting radio today and tomorrow, as well as focus on the future of this crucial broadcast medium that is the world's largest communicator of music and sound. For any other questions, visit www.worldwideradiosummit.com or reach out to Tyler Polzin at tyler@anrworldwide.com.
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MUSEXPO 2017 IN LOS ANGELES RE-IMAGINED EVENT TO HIGHLIGHT NEW GLOBAL MUSIC BUSINESS INNOVATION, CREATIVITY AND OPPORTUNIES MUSEXPO will return for the 13th edition of its flagship Los Angeles event to the W Hotel Hollywood from April 30th – 3rd of May 2017. Unveiling a revamp to the event’s programming including a special focus on India, a unique approach to synchronization with a “Meet The Directors” focus, brands engagement, and the new world of synch (within film, TV, on-demand, mobile, gaming, VR and more), as well as further, exclusive face-to-face opportunities with industry leaders from all aspects of the music-related business. Additionally MUSEXPO 2017 will be presenting its highly coveted “International Music Person of the Year” award to Monte Lipman – Chairman & CEO, Republic Records and Avery Lipman – President & COO, Republic Records during a special VIP Awards Gala Luncheon on Wednesday, May 3rd. Both Monte and Avery have one of the best track records of signing and breaking global acts into the U.S. market, as well as launching U.S. acts on to the international stage. A&R Worldwide newsletter readers are eligible for a special preferred discount to attend the 2017 event. Contact Tyler Polzin at tyler@anrworldwide.com for further details. For more information on showcase artist submissions, event partnership/sponsorship opportunities and conference discount hotel room bookings at the W Hotel Hollywood is available at www.musexpo.net.
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A Genre on the Verge of Extinction 13
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“Music is absolutely MY heart and soul�
themialovelive.podomatic.com 15
Bianca & Chris
BC MG When you meet Bianca and Chris you never know what to expect. One thing’s for sure, once you meet them, you feel as if you have known them your entire life. With multimedia journalism, radio, and television experience under their belts; their skills, chemistry, and cultural impact makes them a phenomenal duo. Collectively, the two have contributed content for Worldstar Hiphop, CBS Sports, Def Jam, The CIAA,The Konnected Magazine, various newspapers spanning the East Coast, and FTC Publications just to name a few. Together they formed BCMG (Bianca Chris Media Group) where they team up with networks like The Konnected Enterprise to promote the independent music scene, direct and host the Konnected Experience TV show, assist artists across the US and Africa with their brand management, and work with small businesses to develop their marketing and promotion efforts.
INTRO Photos by J aka Julio
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Born in the Bronx, NY and raised in Atlanta, GA, Bianca gives you the perfect combination of New York hustle and southern flare. Bianca made a name for herself at the age of 15. With the help of her parents and her uncle, St. John’s University basketball legend, Walter Berry; she began her career as a model. She worked effortlessly to set foot on her biggest stage at the Golden Scissors Awards. Then, she made a conscious decision to put her career on hold to finish high school and begin her college career at Virginia State University. While focused on her education, she wore many hats including: working on both the Virginia Statesman and the VSU Yearbook staff, being a member of the VSU Women’s Basketball team, working as the assistant Sports Information Director, serving as the journalist for the Alpha Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and being crowned Miss Senior in 2009. While juggling an extremely busy schedule, she also served as a sideline reporter for CBS Sports and worked as a model for FTC Publications. Two of her biggest accomplishments were being on a television network in front of 50 million homes and being featured in the FTC Publications International Modeling Guide 6th edition. After graduating in 2010, her passion for publicizing the endeavors of student- athletes and the love of sports drove her to work in collegiate athletics. While doing so, she was honored to obtain two championship rings with the Livingstone College Men’s Basketball team. As much as she loved sports she decided to take a leap of faith and move towards her passion of music and entertainment, and since taking that leap she’s had the opportunity to interview some of her favorite entertainers in the industry including Lyfe Jennings and DJ Mannie Fresh. One of her biggest highlights was chatting with one of her favorite Nollywood actor’s Majid Michel while doing some media work in conjunction with the BET Awards. She also has been given the opportunity to work with FTC Publications in the talent operations department as an A&R representative.
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Chris, also known as Chinaka The Flygerian, hails from Emo State, Nigeria. Chris came to the United State when he was 12 and fell in love with the music and entertainment industry. Chris is an eloquent host, rapper, actor, and radio personality. While working towards his degree in Mass Communications from Elizabeth City State University he began working with the WRVS radio station. After graduating he teamed up with some of his friends to create their own radio show in Salisbury, NC where they played not only the latest hits in mainstream radio, but also independent music from all over North Carolina. It was the first of its kind
to artist management and booking those artist for shows all over NC. This path led Chinak to meeting the right people at the right time while becoming that go-to person for interviews: his gift of gab making him the perfect person for the job. Longing for more, he auditioned for one of BET’s top TV shows, 106 & Park. He made it to the final rounds, but the timing just wasn’t right for him. Chris took that pportunity and used it to push his talents and he began interviewing the top entertainers who came through NC including; Wiz Khalifa, Wale, Pam Grier, French Montana, Future, and a host of others. Bi
in the city. Over time he realized not only did the Salisbury independent music scene needed more exposure, but so did the other hip-hop markets in NC. He became a cofounder of Groundbreaking Video Productions where they shot music videos for the local rappers and boxing matches. He is a true believer that if you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything, and with that belief, he began shedding light on police brutality while also covering community activism in the area. His love for music pushed him to want more for those around him, which led
anca and Chris took time away from the industry to bring their little queen Cyrina into the world. However, time waits for no man and this team is forever grinding. They are currently working on a few projects for independent artist and in the finishing phases of launching their website www.bcmg.com. In the meanwhile follow this dynamic duo on IG: @herimperialmagesty and @Flygerian5
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V
enues
The Urban Lounge - 241 S. and 500 E. in Salt Lake City, UT. Since our foundation in 2001, Urban Lounge has been providing Salt Lake City with a vast array of live performances from artists that you won’t find anywhere else in the state. Our comfortable bar setting allows for music-lovers (ages 21 and up) to experience internationally-acclaimed artists and unsung, underground heroes alike in a uniquely intimate atmosphere. We’ve hosted bands/artists such as: Purity Ring, STRFKR, Dr. Dog, Aesop Rock, Delta Spirit, Kishi Bashi, Tycho, Red Fang, The Growlers, Dinosaur Jr., Father John Misty, Tame Impala, St. Vincent, Little Dragon, Deafheaven, Electric Wizard, Doomtree, Big Freedia, Miike Snow, and many, many others. We’re committed to growing the music community in Salt Lake City by continuing to connect our city with touring artists from around the world, as well as by showcasing the ever-expanding swell of local talent. Come check us out for yourself! http://www.theurbanloungeslc.com
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Uptown Village
1000 NC Music Factory Blvd Charlotte NC 28206 http://avidxchangemusicfactory.com/
AvidXchange Music Factory is Charlotte’s home for nightlife and entertainment. This former textile mill is now THE place to be for the best in nightlife and live entertainment.
704 987 0612
Foreigner, O.A.R., Chicago, Earth Wind and Fire, The Zac Brown Band, and many more! Not a bad seat in the house!
The “Fountain Plaza” Stage at the AvidXchange Two of the hottest music venues in the southeast Music Factory is used for many themed events, concert series, fashion shows, and live call the Music Factory home. The Fillmore is an indoor venue owned and operated by Live Nation performances throughout the year. Whether it is a with state of the art lights and sound and beautiful soiree under the stars or a cocktail party at dusk, chandeliers that holds 2,000 lucky concert goers. with the Charlotte skyline as your backdrop and an amazing water feature for ambiance, Fountain The Black Crowes, B-52’s, BB King, Roger Plaza gives you a one of a kind space for your Daltrey, The Flaming Lips and Brad Paisley are next corporate event, wedding reception, music just a few of the big names that have performed on the Fillmore stage. Time Warner Cable Uptown festival and more. The courtyard can accommodate up to 2,000 people. Amphitheater, also owned by Live Nation, is a boutique amphitheater that holds 5,000 fans for With over a dozen different places to take in food some of the biggest touring acts in the world in an and libations, finding the perfect spot does have intimate setting. Recent concerts include The its choices, or you can try them all. Fray, Cake, My Morning Jacket, ZZ Top, Styx,
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WE DID IT AGAIN!
The Positive Side of Media 22
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INTERNATIONAL WEAR
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Fair, Indigenous Games Festival, Youth Day celebrations, Africa Day AzaniaZulu Apparel is celebrations, Consciousness Online Magazine events, a youthful, urban, UrbanDance Festival and Capital Arts Revolution events. revolutionary clothing brand which was founded Azania – is an indigenous name for the country South in March 2011 by a Africa and at some point the continent Africa was referred young South African to as Azania. Once an anonymous historian mentioned creative, Sindi Buthelezi, who, after travelling the contithat Azania is a conglomeration of three words, he said, nent and learning the art of T-shirt printing in Tanzania “A” in Azania refers to the people of Africa, “Zan” refers decided to establish a brand. A brand whose mission is to to the Earth that provides and “IA” to mother Africa, the rebuild Africa, instill positivity, revive creativity, inspire the supreme force which binds us all. youth to pursue the field of entrepreneurship and to conZulu – derived from the word “iZulu”, means tribute towards the country’s economy. Heaven. Operating in Pretoria – South Africa, we currently have products such as hand-printed T-shirts, hand-made bags, sweaters, scarves, vests, golf shirts, caps and shorts. We are looking into expanding into home ware products like cushions, wall art and deco in the near future. We have been actively involved in local and international exhibitions such as the Rand Easter Show, SAITEX, Grahamstown Arts Festival, Brooklyn Des
Therefore AzaniaZulu is coined into “Africa is Heaven” To connect with us and view more of our products visit: Website: www.azaniazulu.com/shop Facebook: AzaniaZulu Twitter: AzaniaZulu
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BuzzWorthy I had the opportunity to listen to this artist some time ago at the RareSoul monthly event hosted by R&B artist Eliah. He (Eliah) had already prepared me for that evening’s affair, stating there was a sister that was coming to perform that as he put it “will blow you away with her voice.” As she came to the stage, she was positive, prepared and passionate (yes the three P’s fam) simply because I was not prepared for the music that she shared with all of us that evening. Her song You are the One featuring Tice tells a story of this beautiful sister eagerly anticipating and meeting that special man, declaring that he is the one. Let Love defines how one should enjoy the feeling of love and all it encompasses. Blanche J is no stranger to that thing called music, her family are vocalists and musicians out of Wildwood, FL, and at a young age she learned to play several brass instruments. Blanche started to sing with her family choir at age of 3, and gravitated to lead singer of the family choir, as well as her church choir. From Florida A&M University as a member of the Concert Choir and Gospel Choir to singing alongside or accompanying artists such as Kim Burrell, Kelly Price, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, and Blanche McAllister-Dykes. By taking each genre she’s immersed into over the years, the result is a uniquely blended sound and feeling that is well, Blanche J! Learn more about this multi-talented sister, and follow her at: http://www.blanchej.com/
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A Chat With….
Written by#cwspeaks
CW: Romonta, we can tell with your music, the Gospel is prevalent, but I have to ask, there was a statement made: R&B’s Newfound Hero…explain! R: Right, well there was a time, not too long ago, they (people) were saying that R&B needed a hero, and that R&B was falling off. This was during the era of Hip Hop vs. R&B. Even with marketing. Hip hop became mainstream in marketing, commercials and fashion. So therefore the place for R&B was starting to dwindle, it was selling as many records. So I figured with me bringing that real culture of R&B, or actually keeping with that real culture of R&B, I considered myself to be that new-found hero, who would keep that culture. The Carl Thomas, Dave Hollister, Luther Vandross, John Legend...and Joe...a lot of these people wasn’t selling records like they used to. My vibe, my focus was to carry that torch, so every time I perform or anything I would do,, it would still keep that authentic sound of real R&B. CW: You’ve performed on some very recognizable stages (Apollo, BET 106 and Park) What do you feel before you step on stage? R: Its a mixed feeling, for one excited. My adrenaline is pumping, like I drank a Red Bull (plug) But I feel excited, just that every thing is leading up to be on 106 and Park. So long watching tv and watching other artists perform, now I’m actually on the studio set, or backstage about to perform on Apollo. So yeah, I’m excited. More than anything, some people ask “do you get scared?” Do you have butterflies?” Not necessarily, because in my mind, I’ve prepared so much, so long for that moment, that I’m not scared. I’m excited to be able to entertain, to perform on a stage that I’ve been wanting to be on for so long.
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R CW: “Slow Motion”, “Many Many Miles”, “Mind Sex”, “In the Bathroom” and “Turn Back” what is Romonta’s inspiration? Is there a special muse or element that helps you create such lyrical masterpieces? R: Ah...I would say everything. I listen to conversations, and social media is huge, it gives you so much material to write about and think about so I use that. So many different things that I like to write about and go different directions. Like the song “Many Miles” there are so many people that love somebody that may be in the military, they can’t get to them to see them everyday, so these are the conversations and situations I go to, and even myself personally. I’ve been through it, so I write about it. Something that when you hear it in the lyrics, it can be touching. CW: What can we expect from Romonta? How can our readers get to know more about you.
R: Well special shout out to all the readers! And man...Urban Tymes, y’all are doing big things and I’m glad to be a part of the interview and building cycle what you guys are doing. You guys are doing a great job! We’re going to be touring, actually I’ve got some more music, I’ve got a project that you can go to my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Romonta7, and my Reverbnation page at: https://www.reverbnation.com/romonta or just Google me. The project is called “Good Morning, Good Night” Good morning is about eight to nine songs of romance & love. Good night is eight to nine songs of sex and passion. So you get the best of both worlds, two different CDs in one project. And I’m working on a whole bunch of different stuff with new artists, traveling, as we are on this marketing promo tour hitting Atlanta, DC, Charlotte, different areas, so stay tuned, we are going to be doing some big things!
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The flow of Shotgun Grizzly (formally known as Joe Grizzly) throws me back to that time where rappers came out with an air of certainty and strength about them dying for someone to step up to take the crown. When I started listening to the previous works of Grizzly….The Age of Joe Grizzly, that German Chocolate was beyond creative…and the southern drawl he adds to the process leaps and bounds above what we are hear today. So many artists out today are into the crunk and flow music, but with Grizzly, his lyrics run rampant on tracks that are reminiscent of ATL Dungeon Family works…..a mixed blend of old and new to create an identity unique to them.
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Featured
Artist Written by: Teka Rose #cwspeaks Photos by: Silvio Suarez
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To do him the dishonor of labeling him a “rapper” is well… is an accusation at best. Shotgun Grizzly is an element all his own, who is nothing short of a lyrical aficionado that knows what he wants and holds no punches to have his voice heard. A humble intellectual fueled by past pains, with a powerful passion for words and a lyrical delivery that encompass everything in its path- the name Shotgun Grizzly is the only packaging that can envelope such a product. So we jumped at the opportunity to speak with Grizzly, and pick his brain about his place in music, the state of music, and more. You have a substantial fan base already Grizzly; but for those just meeting you we must ask the obligatory question…how did you get your start rapping? SG: “I started back in college at North Carolina Central University, where I met some guys who rapped there and was basically in the background at first. Then I
began freestyling with them… that turned into me writing on my own and eventually began recording.” Your bio talks about an evolution to where and who you are now, can you elaborate on the “evolution?” SG: “Yeah, in the beginning, it was all about drinking, smoking, girls (paraphrased) and rapping” There was no business aspect to any of it, and things fell through. We were content with what was happening, with the fan base, where we were and became content and complacent. We didn’t build on the seed we sowed. The evolution began once the business aspect was put in effect. I started taking the proper steps to build on the brand I had created and continue to do so, thanks in part to the people I work with.” The Shotgun Grizzly brand has definitely benefited and reflects the effort. We talk about identity in cities where music is big, does the QC have that? 38
Individuality is key, being an original version of yourself.” How important is the lyrical content for you? Yours is strong, so what’s your process? What fuels you to drop bars like you do? SG: “Lyrical content is extremely important, hip hop is about the lines (being delivered) and it should be substantial. That’s my approach, to be substantial, not ostentatious. What fuels me is my life…the pain, the losses, everything.” What’s in store for Shotgun Grizzly now? SG: “I’m looking to dominate. Doing things the right way, and so far, that has been working in my favor.”
SG: “No. QC doesn’t have an identity of its own. Too many artists try to aspire to sounding like the ATL, or whatever city they’d like to be compared to, and that’s why Charlotte doesn’t have a sound of its own. I love my city and I rep it hard, but I sound like myself, that’s it. People who came out of NC did so, by being themselves, with their own style…that’s how they were successful. Artists don’t need to recite cookie cutter lyrics, versions of other people or each other.
Shotgun Grizzly, has put in the work lyrically and physically and has represented Queen City Hip Hop and beyond immaculately. His stage presence is as dominate as his rhymes and every bit as grizzly as his alias. His new hit single “Star” breaks boundaries between the underground and radio and supersedes every expectation your mind ever formulated of the talent Mr. Grizzly. It was a pleasure and honor getting the chance to speak with him and I look forward to hearing so much more from Shotgun Grizzly sooner than later. Joegrizzly.bandcamp.com | FB: shotgungrizzly704 IG: @shotgungrizzly704 IG | @shotgungrizzly
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