GRUNGECAKE

Category: Features

  • Kesha, without the dollar sign

    If you’re anyone with ears, living on Earth, you’ve heard Kesha’s voice voice.

    Kesha
    Photo: Courtesy of RCA Records

    If you’re not familiar with Kesha’s music, what she’s done for today’s Pop culture, the eating disorder’s ass she just kicked or knowledgeable about the edgy starlet’s road to riches, we’ve got you covered.

    But before getting started, here’s are a few, short personal details, I’d like for you to read.

    (1) No, I don’t personally know Kesha (or Ke$ha). (2) No, no one paid me to write this 10,000-word article on behalf of the ‘Timber’ singer and (3) I am not a die-hard fan in defense about anything (a) Kesha creates, (b) writes to sing, (c) sings on behalf of another entity, or (d) that she chooses to Rap on record.

    But don’t get me wrong. Kesha Rose Sebert is a young and successful, risk-taking artist of our generation, and it’s attractive. As a woman, who is in her age bracket and is also working hard to make an impact in the entertainment industry, she is a genuine inspiration. So when reading about the Pop songstress making it through rehabilitation due to bulimia nervosa and then, reading that she had a close friend update her fans occasionally via Twitter about her well-being and to thank them for their unconditional support, is not only courageous and responsible on her part as a role model and a public figure, but it was the best entertainment news I’ve read in a while (and I read for a living).

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    And let me just say this: Contrary to the popular belief (and to the tongues of my fellow critics), Kesha is unquestionably appealing and here’s why:

    At the age of 17, after being convinced by prospective producers and label owner, she dropped out of high school to pursue a career in music. At 18, she signed two deals (recording and music publishing) with Dr Luke, which seemingly went sour shortly after her signing, according to this statement readily available on her Wikipedia page:

    Dr Luke became preoccupied with other incoming projects, having enjoyed success writing and producing for Pop star Kelly Clarkson’s album, ‘Breakaway’. Kesha then signed with David Sonenberg’s management company, DAS Communications Inc, in 2006, hardly interacting with Dr Luke after that.

    And to add to that, she held down a job as a waitress to make ends meet. She was struggling to get by. It was around that time, she ironically added the dollar sign to her name. But her struggles didn’t start there. Her mother, Patricia Rose ‘Pebe’ Sebert, is a singer-songwriter who co-wrote the 1978 single ‘Old Flames Can’t Hold a Candle to You’ with Hugh Moffatt for Joe Sun. Pebe was a single mother who struggled financially while supporting herself, Kesha, and her older brother Lagan; they relied on welfare payments and food stamps to get by. Started from the bottom, aye?

    And to add to that add-on, to this day, she’s not credited for the vocals on Flo-Rida’s number one single ‘Right Round’ (US release) and has not collected a copper or zinc cent from it. As of September 2011, it has sold 5,000,000 digital downloads in the USA.

    One can only imagine what the total number of downloads are today. We just saw Flo-Rida perform that song live during Super Bowl season, so we’re sure it’s still making bank. And now, that I think of it, I’ll even go as far as stating, Kesha has been an inspiration to Nicki Minaj’s road to Pop-singing heaven since 2011.

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    Regardless, since Kesha has sold over 35M records and counting, but it wasn’t easy and you should also know that it almost cost the 27-year-old her life. According to the star’s mother Patricia Rose “Pebe” Sebert, who is also a singer-songwriter, her daughter’s battle with bulimia nervosa started almost ten years ago, when she signed her deal with Dr Luke.

    *All of the folks that I work with behind-the-scenes are often on their computers all day like me, or running around like me, or not taking care of yourself until you’re in a critical situation like me, so I can only imagine what happens to the people who are in the public eye and the kinds of demands, sometimes impossible, that they are hearing from their managers, label heads, etc.

    What Is Bulimia Nervosa?

    Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder that is often characterized by binge eating and purging and affects the nervous system. It can lead to potassium loss and health deterioration, with depressive symptoms that are often severe and lead to a high risk of suicide. Please read more about the sickness.

    Before learning that Kesha was suffering from such disease, she looked different to me in every image I’ve seen of her (and not in a Lady Gaga way). I couldn’t really make a connection with her and at the time, her image lacked authenticity. In my truest opinion, we witnessed many compositional clashings and most of her looks (style-wise) were unorganized, to say the least. So, I didn’t subscribe to the image that was Ke$ha. It didn’t feel right until I saw her ‘Crazy Kids’ cover featuring will.i.am. I felt like I could see her face for the first time.

    The Problem

    Last week, just about every major news outlet in America (and God knows where else) publicized the removal of Kesha Rose’s “trademark dollar sign” from her name, as if it was news deserving such momentum and coverage, they didn’t really focus on the image issues within the media or bring back the relevance of why we should care in the first place. All I kept reading was quoted tweets and death threats that her fans sent to Dr Luke.

    Every chance we get as media, we should remind our female readership of the kind of bravery that Kesha took to get help, even after nearly a decade of suffering.

    And to be rather honest, if you’re listening, most recording artists express every emotion through their music. During a commentary session with Spotify for her second studio album ‘Warrior’, the brave-hearted singer shared,

    Instead of being a victim, I’m always going to be a warrior, she hesitated. No matter what anybody throws at me or what kind of shit I go through, I’m not going to be a victim. I’m going to be a warrior and I think it’s something my fans, my animals can relate to, cause we’ve all been put through shit. No matter what it is, everybody’s had to deal with something. But instead of you know, letting it take over, and letting whatever / whoever that is win and beat you down, you stand up and face it and fight it.

    It has been written that Kesha’s ‘Warrior’ album was heavily criticized by Dr Luke and she wasn’t granted her usual creative input. In addition, her single ‘Die Young’, which debuted at number thirteen on Billboard Hot 100, was pulled from radio airwaves as a result of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut and another single ‘Machine Gun Love’, which she states as her favourite she’s written, was completely removed from the album against her wishes. As a result, the singles were under-performed and fans started to blame her longtime collaborator Dr Luke for its failure. A fan even went as far as setting up a petition to “free” Kesha from Dr Luke’s management and accused him of “stunting” Kesha’s growth as an artist. The petition has over 11,500 signatures, needing 12,000 to reach its full potential.

    Her collaborative full-length with The Flaming Lips “Lipsha” was cancelled even though her collaborators were hoping to release the album in the Winter of the same year.

    Dollar Sign

    A lot of newcomers in the world of Rap music like Joey Bada$$, Travis $cott, Ty Dollar $ign, and all rappers A$AP related are donning dollar signs in their names like rappers wore medallions in the ‘80s to early ‘00s. But it didn’t start with them. Rap veterans like Too $hort and Ma$e both affixed the dollar sign to their names before they were making big legitimate money to claim on their taxes.

    Whether it’s an attribute to welcome money into an aspiring talent’s life or to glorify the assuming life of a [street] hustler, in which they very well may be or influenced by, it is important to understand and accept what we attract into our lives when we make specific choices. Often unknowingly, we attract energies, situations, people, and scenarios into our lives just by decision-making as simple as what we choose to call ourselves, what we allow others to call us, the way we choose to stylize our names, from the way we portray ourselves in, to the public, and most importantly, what we say.

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    I think my assessment of Kesha’s shortfall of authenticity was correct. I’d like to believe that she removed the dollar sign from her name because she finally realised that she was personifying a character that she wasn’t, and it could have been her end.

    I’m a crusader for being yourself and loving yourself, but I’ve found it hard to practice, she said in a statement at the time.

    If you are an aspiring artist and you’re looking for exposure of any sort, learn from Kesha and be wise in your decisions.

    Kesha, if you ever see this, I’m happy that you’ve taken the necessary steps to get help. I wish you an untroubled and healthy life, moving forward. Cheers. Your story about sneaking into Prince’s house and being kicked out by his security is pretty hilarious. You should hear my story about when my guy and I tried to stalk out Stonesthrow Records HQ.

  • First Look: Chlöe Howl

    Chlöe Howl

    British teenage sensation Chlöe Howl is set to impress audiences abroad as she embarks on a string of highly anticipated North American live dates next month, coupled with the March 11 release of her forthcoming extended play, “Rumour”.

    Hailed by the BBC and it’s highly regarded “Sound of…” series, which were previously won by Adele, Ellie Goulding and Haim, and nominated for the Critic’s Choice Award at the 2014 BRIT Awards last month, Chlöe Howl is clearly exciting critics and music fans with her uninhibited lyricism and infectious electro-pop beats. Already climbing the charts in Europe, the feisty and outspoken redhead is poised to do much the same here in the U.S. in 2014.

    Chlöe Howl’s unique approach to songwriting suggests she’s lived a full life already as she ponders relationships, casual affairs, the nightlife scene and growing old. Channeling her love of English literature — and at only 18 years of age — She is fast becoming recognized for her quirky observational storytelling and no-nonsense approach in her music.

    Her U.S. debut comes as a 4-track EP titled “Rumour” and will be released in time for her SXSW dates on March 11 on Columbia Records. The EP is an impressive taster of what’s come from this promising young star who cites bands such a The Smiths and New Order as her influences. Poised to create waves next month with her live performances in Austin’s SXSW Festival and again in New York City at the exclusive downtown club The Box, and with the seal of approval from the likes of NME, Stereogum and Pitchfork, Chlöe Howl is certainly a teenage force to be reckoned with.

    Chlöe Howl is currently on tour in Europe with Ellie Goulding and is working on her debut album. Be sure to catch her live on one of the following dates:

    North American Tour Dates

    03/12 – SXSW Secret Sounds Showcase @ Holy Mountain – 04:40PM
    03/12 – SXSW British Embassy Showcase @ Latitude – 11:00PM
    03/13 – SXSW Stereogum Showcase @ Mohawk House of Vans – 03:00PM
    03/13 – SXSW Paradigm Showcase @ Swan Dive – 09:00PM
    03/14 – SXSW FILTER Magazine Showcase @ Cedar Street – 01:00PM
    03/15 – SXSW HYPE Machine Showcase @ Hype Hotel – 11:00PM
    03/19 – The Box – New York, New York

  • Song of the Day: Threatz by Denzel Curry Featuring Yung Simmie & Robb Bank$

    Name: Denzel Curry featuring Yung Simmie & Robb Bank$
    Representing: Miami, Florida
    Genre: Rap
    For fans of: Chief Keef, Mobb Deep
    Single from: “Nostalgic 64”
    Produced by: Ronny J
    Song of the Day: February 27, 2014
    Label(s): L&E x C9

    I was originally introduced to this song in a video mix and I was drawn in by the thuggish demeanors portrayed. Instantly, I thought the hook was very clever. Personally, I think “We don’t take kindly to threats” is some real, polite thug shit. It’s the type of warning I’d give to a perpetrator before throwing my hands. In addition, Denzel Curry comes off with ease and rides the beat like no other. Yung Simmie has a sharp, rapid-flow like a simmie-automatic, set to burst mode. Robb Bank$ has the trill slurred flow but reminds listeners not to get it twisted because it’s the “savage life nigga”.

    Listen to the song below:

    Words by Capital

    For more Denzel Curry, just click here.

  • First Look: Jordan Morris

    Jordan Morris

    Born in London, England on August 12th, 1994, 19-year-old Jordan Dominic Morris was destined for great things from the very beginning. Growing up in the 90’s, Jordan Morris was exposed to a world of infectious Pop anthems and Soul-filled R&B music.

    [quote]I use to want to be in the Backstreet Boys.” He admits with a smile, “I loved the boy band Blue, at the same time I was listening to Beyoncé, Craig David and Justin Timberlake. In my house, the music was always turned up.[/quote]

    [youtube=://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSKcbsR7qBA&h=315]

    Recognizing he had the chops for singing, Jordan Morris continued to develop his craft by entering as many local talent shows and competitions as he could. By age 15, he realized that his silky smooth vocals were a quick way to impress the girls and this alone kept him singing.

    The influences of the urban North West London scene would soon become apparent in his artistry. He became a regular performer at open mics and underground performances throughout London, winning the favor and support of major U.K. industry players like Jamal Edwards of SBTV and producers Zay-D.

    Jordan went on to record music with U.K. recording artist ‘Faith SFX’. Building on his knowledge of music, he fell in love with the sounds of artists like Lemar, Robin Thicke, Brian McKnight and Justin Timberlake.

    [quote]I just want to be the best artist I can be. I’ve been inspired by so many talented people from all over the world, and I feel like I owe it to anyone, who supports me on my journey to simply make them feel something when they listen to my music.[/quote]

    In May 2013, Jordan signed a management contract with Jareiq ‘JQ’ Kabara, President, Creative Director at The LDN Agency. Impressed by Jordan’s artistic tenacity, JQ partnered with Music Producer Sasha Farhadian and Business Executive Azos L. Rashid to create independent label ‘IQMG’ ultimately signing Jordan Morris as their flagship artist.

    With many exciting plans in the pipeline for Jordan Morris, 2014 looks to be a year of great success for the #TeamJM movement.

  • Song of the Day: Ten Freaky Hoes by 100s

    Name: 100s
    Representing: Berkeley, California
    Genre: [Pimp] Rap
    For fans of: Too Short
    Single from: “IVRY”
    Produced by: U-Tern (Vaughn Oliver)
    Song of the Day: February 26, 2014
    Label(s): Fool’s Gold Records

    Without getting too deep or making this entry complicated, without a doubt, 100s is one of the best “pimp rap” leaders to exist in the 21st century.

    As fun as the hook is to learn and say with the Bay Area artist, in a clever way, he also raps about ten women (or freaky hoes) he encountered at some point, and delivered descriptive verses about each woman. Ironically, we as women, feel like we can identify [with] each woman’s insecurities and sexual desire. Here’s a list you should skim through before listening:

    1) Michelle, the White joint with no lips and a nice tail, who sucked his penis at the Shell gas station.

    2) Portia, the joint with a corporate job who hates her life. When they’d have sex, she’d always turns the lights off because her fuck-face was ugly.

    3) Pam, the “bad” and very thick one that he got on camera, you know, like Ray J did Kim Kardashian.

    4) Camille, the one that was on some other shit. Her teeth were fucked up, so he wouldn’t let her suck his penis.

    5) Fine ass Donna who still lives with her mama. She thought she was fat, so she fucks with a hoody on. In fact, one day, her mama busted in the crib, saw him chilling with an erect penis. (We can bet that was the end of that.)

    6) Kelly was his around-the-way joint, from back in the day. According to 100s, she likes that nasty shit. Unfortunately, she pierced the rubber and tried to trap 100s with a 18-year-bid aka child support. (It wasn’t happening.)

    7) Mya‘s head game was crazy and her vagina was immaculate, but she was foul. He caught her in his bathroom, trying to steal his hair conditioner. (Not a good look.)

    8) Ivorian Olivia was a down ass MF with big ass booty and a big ass MF forehead.

    9) His third ward shorty bought him fish to eat and bought credit for his phone. (I can’t.)

    10) Tiff believed she’s never be a “hoe bitch” until he served her some of that 100s dick. His hair was flipped when he served her. As a result, Tiff canned and paid for his blowout “and some more shit”.

    Listen to this song in your cars, with the top down, if you have that luxury. You’ll be sure to turn some pretty permed heads:

    100s drops his Fool’s Gold debut, IVRY, in March. Catch him at The FADER Fort and Fool’s Gold parties at SXSW, too.

    For more 100s, just click here.

  • Introducing: Fly Moon Royalty

    Fly Moon Royalty

    Certain recipes taste better when you don’t know what’s in it.

    The night before the release of their Unfinished Business EP, Fly Moon Royalty gave me a call to discuss their new release, their unique sound, and upcoming show dates. FMR is a Seattle-based electrosoul duo that makes music “with a very grown feeling” and it is sometimes “provocative”. It consists of soulful vocalist Adra Boo and musical maven Action J who produces, deejays and emcees. They met in 2009 at a small diner in Seattle in which they were both employed.

    I had worked there before. He was one of the newer faces. He said that he produced music and I was in a band that needed a producer. We literally just started talking [about] music and it would turn out that we were talking music everyday, and making music and collaborating.

    Since, they’ve supported and opened for fellow Seattleite Macklemore, Slum Village, Robert Glasper, Nneka, Allen Stone and last but surely not least, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings.

    Whenever we make our music, writing or composing, we are moving on what’s going on in life. So when he wrote that [DNA] song, it was [created for] a whole other beat. It was going to go on something different.

    According to Adra’s description, they are in the process of experimenting to make their sound [more] dynamic through vocoders and hot boxes. They’d be “cool sounds to add to what they do”.

    If you ask Fly Moon Royalty about the story behind their name, they might ignore you. With that said, this is the response I was able to get:

    Certain recipes taste better when you don’t know what’s in it. It’s way more delicious when you don’t even know. We had a different name before. We were ‘Sugar Water Purple’ but there’s also a band in LA called ‘Sugar Water Purple’. They had it longer and their manager hit us up to ask us if they can keep it. They’re a dope band and it would just be better that we both didn’t share the name.

    When asked to describe Fly Moon Royalty‘s sound, Adra said, “That’s probably one of the harder questions because I feel like we have Soul, we have some Hip-Hop, we like Funk and Electronic Music. It’s a little bit of everything we like, but most people call it “electro soul”.

    When listening to their new record titled “DNA” which was premiered on NYLON Guys, it evokes a Daft Punk spirit meets Dilla (or Detroit music styles). It’s an aurgasm.

    What’s next for Fly Moon Royalty, you might ask?

    We’re gearing ourselves up to release a new full length project at the end of the year. We’re really proud of what we make. We like the music that we make. Hopefully people are like, ‘This is my anthem right here. Like, this is my life!

    Fly Moon Royalty’s Unfinished Business EP is now available on iTunes.

    For more Fly Moon Royalty, just click here.

  • Introducing: Fly Moon Royalty

    Fly Moon Royalty

    Certain recipes taste better when you don’t know what’s in it.

    The night before the release of their Unfinished Business EP, Fly Moon Royalty gave me a call to discuss their new release, their unique sound, and upcoming show dates. FMR is a Seattle-based electrosoul duo that makes music “with a very grown feeling” and it is sometimes “provocative”. It consists of soulful vocalist Adra Boo and musical maven Action J who produces, deejays and emcees. They met in 2009 at a small diner in Seattle in which they were both employed.

    I had worked there before. He was one of the newer faces. He said that he produced music and I was in a band that needed a producer. We literally just started talking [about] music and it would turn out that we were talking music everyday, and making music and collaborating.

    Since, they’ve supported and opened for fellow Seattleite Macklemore, Slum Village, Robert Glasper, Nneka, Allen Stone and last but surely not least, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings.

    Whenever we make our music, writing or composing, we are moving on what’s going on in life. So when he wrote that [DNA] song, it was [created for] a whole other beat. It was going to go on something different.

    According to Adra’s description, they are in the process of experimenting to make their sound [more] dynamic through vocoders and hot boxes. They’d be “cool sounds to add to what they do”.

    If you ask Fly Moon Royalty about the story behind their name, they might ignore you. With that said, this is the response I was able to get:

    Certain recipes taste better when you don’t know what’s in it. It’s way more delicious when you don’t even know. We had a different name before. We were ‘Sugar Water Purple’ but there’s also a band in LA called ‘Sugar Water Purple’. They had it longer and their manager hit us up to ask us if they can keep it. They’re a dope band and it would just be better that we both didn’t share the name.

    When asked to describe Fly Moon Royalty‘s sound, Adra said, “That’s probably one of the harder questions because I feel like we have Soul, we have some Hip-Hop, we like Funk and Electronic Music. It’s a little bit of everything we like, but most people call it “electro soul”.

    When listening to their new record titled “DNA” which was premiered on NYLON Guys, it evokes a Daft Punk spirit meets Dilla (or Detroit music styles). It’s an aurgasm.

    What’s next for Fly Moon Royalty, you might ask?

    We’re gearing ourselves up to release a new full length project at the end of the year. We’re really proud of what we make. We like the music that we make. Hopefully people are like, ‘This is my anthem right here. Like, this is my life!

    Fly Moon Royalty’s Unfinished Business EP is now available on iTunes.

    For more Fly Moon Royalty, just click here.

  • Song of the Day: DNA by Fly Moon Royalty

    Name: Fly Moon Royalty
    Representing: Seattle, Washington
    Genre: Electro-Soul
    For fans of: Chromeo, Daft Punk
    Single from: “Unfinished Business”
    Produced by: Action J
    Song of the Day: February 24, 2014
    Label(s): Unsigned

    It’s like a futuristic J Dilla instrumental with an overlay of vocals by kin of Kraftwerk or Daft Punk. With “DNA”, Fly Moon Royalty handsomely mixes the chromosomes of Urban Contemporary instrumentalism and Electronic roots, all stemming from the soul and soil of Detroit City.

    Listen to the track below:

    For more Fly Moon Royalty, just click here.

  • American Designer Spotlight: Devon Thomas’ View From The Treehouse Collection

    Images: John F. Cooper
    Images: John F. Cooper

    Designer Devon Thomas is the epitome of a talented modern-day woman following her passion for fashion. It’s not everyday that a mother of three decides to take on this industry and manages to balance being a fabulous mom and a designer in the same breath. It’s not easy to balance one’s family and career, as we can see with the Rachel Zoe headlines regarding her decision to cancel her NYFW runway show and stay at home with her newborn. It can be a challenge, but when your passion and determination is strong, there is nothing that can keep you from emitting fabulousness. Thomas enlisted model Julia Lee, MUA Victoria Dada for Bobbi Brown, stylist Sajdah Muhammad for wardrobe, and Tina Moore for hair, to pull the “View From the Tree collection” photo shoot together. This collection is full of fun colors and prints, right in time to add to your Spring wardrobe. The View from the Treetop collection is effortless cool, perfect for the strong woman who wears many hats. The pieces can take you from casual daywear to an evening event in a flash. I’ve had the pleasure to work with Devon, recently, as she provided wardrobe for a short film entitled “Whiskey Neat”. Devon’s foothold in womenswear is strong and we can’t wait to see what’s next for this emerging brand.

    What influenced your venture into the fashion industry?

    Well, that is kind of a long story but I will give you the condensed version. I have always wanted to be a designer. That is the first thing I ever remember telling people I wanted to be when I “grew up”. I still have my elementary school teachers telling stories about how all I used to do in class was sketch, but I’d have to say that the thing that really made me take that leap was the birth of my twin sons. I was home with them and I just felt that while I was home with them, I had the perfect opportunity to figure out how to make a career out of my passion. It took a lot of time and a lot of hard work, but I am finally starting to see it pay off and I am enjoying every moment of it all.

    What does your brand represent?

    I want my brand to reflect the spirit of the feminine yet powerful woman.

    Who is your target market customer?

    My target customer is the woman who believes that her style is the outward reflection of her inner personality. She looks for standout pieces to fill her wardrobe. She is a bit of a fashionista who likes to indulge in bold, chic and effortless pieces.

    What makes your brand different?

    In this industry, you are called to be one specific thing. You must chose who you are designing for and stick within that box. Whether you chose to be edgy, classic, quirky or sexy, designers are required to pick a category and stay within that. I believe where my brand differs is that I know my target customer is all of those things blended into one. She can be edgy one day, and classic the next. I believe that I have found a way to meld these different categories pretty seamlessly.

    What is your favorite item / piece from this collection?

    I am a color / print girl. I believe I get that from my grandmother. So my favorite pieces are the silk canary yellow and black print dresses. I absolutely fell in love with that fabric when I saw it and it took everything in me not to make everything in that print. There is a good chance that my entire closet would be canary yellow and black, if I didn’t reel myself in!

    Which part do you enjoy most? The process of creating or the finished product?

    Absolutely, the finished product. Don’t get me wrong, I love the whole process but there is nothing like seeing a thought, turn to a 1-dimensional sketch, turn to a beautifully-crafted garment. It gives me butterflies and that is something that I never tire of.

    What have been some highlights or breakthroughs within the industry since you started?

    I think that one of the biggest breakthroughs in the industry, in the last few years, is the emergence and success of the young independent designer. Fashion used to be for those who came from money, it was and still is, very difficult to succeed in this business without coming from a well-off and well-connected family. However, in the last few years, we have seen the rise of designers such as Alexander Wang and Jason Wu, who have made major names for themselves strictly based on a talent that could not be ignored.

    Would you say you are currently satisfied with where you are as a brand? If not, what needs to be done in order to take you to the next level?

    You know, if you had asked me that a year ago, I would have said definitely not. But over the last year, I have learned so much about myself, the industry and my brand that I am thrilled with where I am right now and the direction that my brand is headed. I have some really exciting things planned for 2014 and I really cannot wait to share them with the world.

    To aspiring designers who might be inspired by this article, what sort of advice could you give to them? Share advice you wish you had when you started.

    My advice would be to never give up. This is a hard business and it can take years just to get a foothold in it, but if you love it and you are passionate about it, keep going. You can pause, you can take breaks, hone your craft, go back to the drawing board as many times as you need, but if design, or hell any passion (i.e. music, art, etc.), is your calling, keep at it and it will pay off. One piece of advice that I wish I’d heeded (but knowing me probably would not have even if I was told a million times) would be don’t try to do too much too fast. There are lots of pieces that need to come together for one to become a great designer. Take the time to figure them out, gather advice and insight from people who have been in the industry for years and get to know yourself as a designer.

    That is wonderful advice. Please tell our readers where they can purchase pieces from this collection?

    My line can be purchased at Pocshe Boutique in Wayne, New Jersey, Wish Boutique in West Calldwell, New Jersey and online via my website.

    What are your thoughts on GrungeCake? Is there anything out there like it?

    I absolutely love how GrungeCake supports all kinds of indie artists from musicians to artists to designers, and even other publications. There are not a lot of platforms for independent artists to showcase what they do and without publications like GrungeCake we may never be introduced to some of the amazing talent that is out there at our fingertips.

    For more about Devon Thomas, just click here.

  • American Designer Spotlight: Devon Thomas’ View From The Treehouse Collection

    Images: John F. Cooper
    Images: John F. Cooper

    Designer Devon Thomas is the epitome of a talented modern-day woman following her passion for fashion. It’s not everyday that a mother of three decides to take on this industry and manages to balance being a fabulous mom and a designer in the same breath. It’s not easy to balance one’s family and career, as we can see with the Rachel Zoe headlines regarding her decision to cancel her NYFW runway show and stay at home with her newborn. It can be a challenge, but when your passion and determination is strong, there is nothing that can keep you from emitting fabulousness. Thomas enlisted model Julia Lee, MUA Victoria Dada for Bobbi Brown, stylist Sajdah Muhammad for wardrobe, and Tina Moore for hair, to pull the “View From the Tree collection” photo shoot together. This collection is full of fun colors and prints, right in time to add to your Spring wardrobe. The View from the Treetop collection is effortless cool, perfect for the strong woman who wears many hats. The pieces can take you from casual daywear to an evening event in a flash. I’ve had the pleasure to work with Devon, recently, as she provided wardrobe for a short film entitled “Whiskey Neat”. Devon’s foothold in womenswear is strong and we can’t wait to see what’s next for this emerging brand.

    What influenced your venture into the fashion industry?

    Well, that is kind of a long story but I will give you the condensed version. I have always wanted to be a designer. That is the first thing I ever remember telling people I wanted to be when I “grew up”. I still have my elementary school teachers telling stories about how all I used to do in class was sketch, but I’d have to say that the thing that really made me take that leap was the birth of my twin sons. I was home with them and I just felt that while I was home with them, I had the perfect opportunity to figure out how to make a career out of my passion. It took a lot of time and a lot of hard work, but I am finally starting to see it pay off and I am enjoying every moment of it all.

    What does your brand represent?

    I want my brand to reflect the spirit of the feminine yet powerful woman.

    Who is your target market customer?

    My target customer is the woman who believes that her style is the outward reflection of her inner personality. She looks for standout pieces to fill her wardrobe. She is a bit of a fashionista who likes to indulge in bold, chic and effortless pieces.

    What makes your brand different?

    In this industry, you are called to be one specific thing. You must chose who you are designing for and stick within that box. Whether you chose to be edgy, classic, quirky or sexy, designers are required to pick a category and stay within that. I believe where my brand differs is that I know my target customer is all of those things blended into one. She can be edgy one day, and classic the next. I believe that I have found a way to meld these different categories pretty seamlessly.

    What is your favorite item / piece from this collection?

    I am a color / print girl. I believe I get that from my grandmother. So my favorite pieces are the silk canary yellow and black print dresses. I absolutely fell in love with that fabric when I saw it and it took everything in me not to make everything in that print. There is a good chance that my entire closet would be canary yellow and black, if I didn’t reel myself in!

    Which part do you enjoy most? The process of creating or the finished product?

    Absolutely, the finished product. Don’t get me wrong, I love the whole process but there is nothing like seeing a thought, turn to a 1-dimensional sketch, turn to a beautifully-crafted garment. It gives me butterflies and that is something that I never tire of.

    What have been some highlights or breakthroughs within the industry since you started?

    I think that one of the biggest breakthroughs in the industry, in the last few years, is the emergence and success of the young independent designer. Fashion used to be for those who came from money, it was and still is, very difficult to succeed in this business without coming from a well-off and well-connected family. However, in the last few years, we have seen the rise of designers such as Alexander Wang and Jason Wu, who have made major names for themselves strictly based on a talent that could not be ignored.

    Would you say you are currently satisfied with where you are as a brand? If not, what needs to be done in order to take you to the next level?

    You know, if you had asked me that a year ago, I would have said definitely not. But over the last year, I have learned so much about myself, the industry and my brand that I am thrilled with where I am right now and the direction that my brand is headed. I have some really exciting things planned for 2014 and I really cannot wait to share them with the world.

    To aspiring designers who might be inspired by this article, what sort of advice could you give to them? Share advice you wish you had when you started.

    My advice would be to never give up. This is a hard business and it can take years just to get a foothold in it, but if you love it and you are passionate about it, keep going. You can pause, you can take breaks, hone your craft, go back to the drawing board as many times as you need, but if design, or hell any passion (i.e. music, art, etc.), is your calling, keep at it and it will pay off. One piece of advice that I wish I’d heeded (but knowing me probably would not have even if I was told a million times) would be don’t try to do too much too fast. There are lots of pieces that need to come together for one to become a great designer. Take the time to figure them out, gather advice and insight from people who have been in the industry for years and get to know yourself as a designer.

    That is wonderful advice. Please tell our readers where they can purchase pieces from this collection?

    My line can be purchased at Pocshe Boutique in Wayne, New Jersey, Wish Boutique in West Calldwell, New Jersey and online via my website.

    What are your thoughts on GrungeCake? Is there anything out there like it?

    I absolutely love how GrungeCake supports all kinds of indie artists from musicians to artists to designers, and even other publications. There are not a lot of platforms for independent artists to showcase what they do and without publications like GrungeCake we may never be introduced to some of the amazing talent that is out there at our fingertips.

    For more about Devon Thomas, just click here.