GRUNGECAKE

Category: Interviews

  • Interview: Adrienne Bailon on ‘I’m In Love With a Church Girl’

    During a press run for ‘I’m In Love With a Church Girl’, I met with costars Adrienne Bailon and Ja Rule to help promote the movie. Check out my brief interview with former lead singer of both 3LW and The Cheetah Girls below.

    How did you come across the film? Were you purposely selected to play your role?

    Yes, I feel honored that I was. Actually, Galley Molina who is the writer of the movie. He wrote the screenplay. It’s actually loosely based on his life. When we got ready to do casting he was like, “Yo! I need Adrienne Bailon to play Vanessa Leon. I guess he read an interview where I spoke about the fact that I was raised in church, and how church played a huge role in my life and he was like “She knows what it’s about” so we have to get her the script. So, he like got in touch with a bunch of people that knew me, I heard from every corner like “This guy Galley is trying to get in touch with you”. Finally, he sent me the script. I read it and after I read it, I actually sent it to my mom to read it. We fell in love with the script. We were like “Wow, this is a great great movie with a great message” and for me it was like a passion project. I was like you, “Know what? After all the blessings that God has given me, this is the smallest thing that I can do to give back and get a message out there.”

    Are you involved with the film beyond your role? Are you receiving executive producer credits?

    No. No, I am not an executive producer on the film. I just play Vanessa Leon. We are doing a bunch of promotional stuff for the film. Which is stuff that we just want to do like—we’re taking over churches. Last week, we did CCC in Brooklyn—which is incredible—AR Bernard’s church. Then, we went to Hill Song and we did two services there. It’s been great, it’s been a really really great run.

    What was it like working with Ja Rule?

    So much fun. I’ve actually know Ja for years. I’ve known Ja from my 3LW days, when we’d be on the same promo tours. Like, if he was doing Summer Jam—closing the show—3LW was opening — like the very first people on stage. (Laughs) So, I’ve known him for a long time which I think definitely helps with the chemistry in the movie. We felt really comfortable with one another since we’ve known each other for such a long time, obviously not romantically. That’s always weird but you always get past that, and yeah, we just had a lot of fun on screen. I think a lot of the best playfulness comes from brotherly-sister love, and that’s what we had. It comes across on screen obviously as a great couple, but that’s how it started off and I think that, that worked great on camera.

    How different would you say your role is from who you are as a person?

    Funny enough: I’m a lot like my character and I’ve actually been in a lot of situations really similar to my character. Like I said, I was raised a church girl. My mother was Superintendent of Children’s Ministries for Assemblies of God. My dad is a worship leader. I spent eight days a week in church. I like, lived in church. I actually lived across the street from the church I grew up in: Primitive Christian Church in the Lower East Side, here in Manhattan. If I wasn’t on time or they wanted me to get early to youth group, people would absolutely cross the street and start ringing my buzzer like “Come down. Come down. We have rehearsals for drama or for the play”. It’s my foundation of everything in my life. Like, it played such a huge role in who I am. I think the fact that I fell in love with the arts really happened in church. My dad came to this country being a Salsa singer but then when he met my mom—funny enough—she was a woman of God and she was like “Come to church. Stop singing in the club and start singing in church” and that’s how my dad became a worship leader. Music was just always a huge part of my life but I learned so much more about it in church. I learned how to harmonise in a choir. My first solo was singing Hezekiah Walker’s ‘Your Calling My Name’, Timony Figueroa’s part like, that’s where I learned to sing. So for me, church played a huge role. All my friends were in church, all my social activities surrounded around church. I was a missionette, which is a Christian version of the girl scouts, vacation bible school, like I did everything in church. So, in that sense I really relate and at the same time, I think it shows that a church girl doesn’t have to be so square. I think it shows that we know how to have a good time. I think at some point she goes to the club with Miles, which is Ja’s character. It’s always reminded me that no matter where I go or what I do, even if I ‘m not doing the right thing, even if I’m in the midst of something that I shouldn’t be in—The word of God is always with me. That’s something that never departs from your heart. I think those bible verses that I learned in Sunday school stayed with me through and through. I could be in the worst situation or you could be in a strip club and if you need to leave, you can pray. I think that those things that I learned as a child that were instilled in me, that you can get on your knees and pray anywhere or just call out to God. If I’m on an airplane and it’s like it’s going down “Turbulence!” I call out to God. I don’t care. I think those are small elements that I’ve learned that are the foundation of who I am because those were instilled in me by growing up in church. My mom always said, especially now with the movie coming, she said “You’ve come full circle” because obviously growing up a lot of people had stuff to say when I went and I started singing in 3LW. They were like “You’re using your talent for the world”.

    ‘I’m in Love With a Church Girl’ overview:

    Based on true events, ‘I’m In Love With a Church Girl’ is an Urban faith-based romantic drama coming to theaters October 18.

    Cars. Good looks. Mansions. Money. Women.

    Miles Montego has it all.

    Including a past.

    He was king of the streets as a high-level drug trafficker, and although he has tried to move on, the DEA isn’t convinced. Miles is still rolling with his old friends and colleagues, and the feds are certain he has not fully-retired from his criminal past.

    When Miles meets Vanessa Leon, a woman who is different than every other woman he’s met, he is drawn to her beauty and her faith. She is a “church girl” in every-sense of the word. Increasingly, he is torn between a life that he knows and a love that he feels.

    As Vanessa experiences his lavish lifestyle, mobster-type friends, gun play, and encounters with past women, Vanessa must reconcile her faith in God and her growing love for Miles.

    Both are tested to their last ounce of faith and strength in God and each other. God continues to chip away at Miles through struggles from his past, having to live up to his reputation, feelings of unworthiness, the death of his mother, federal charges, his friends being indicted, the strain on his relationship with Vanessa, almost losing her in a near fatal car accident, and finally the spiritual breakdown that brings him on his knees to face God one-on-one.

    Visit the official ‘I’m In Love With a Church Girl’ web site for more information by clicking this link.

    Tuesday Phillips (Transcriptionist)

  • Singer Leigh Bush, Formerly Sammie, Is Coming Of Age

    Reclaiming the forgotten genre called R&B

    Leigh Bush

    Yesterday, meeting with Leigh Bush to talk about personal growth, new music and advice was an impressive and a pleasing gift in itself. Not only was he well-spoken, he was decorous, relaxed, and just delightful. Curiosity should be killing your cats right about now, as most people knew him as Sammie, the endearing and talented child sensation who effortlessly harmonized to you from varied television sets at the tender age of 14. Yes, it’s really him and he is back with new music that symbolizes the new chapter in his life, being a man with feelings, fearless and the raw reality of being a stripper on “Dancer”.

    Before jokingly sharing his initial thoughts on GrungeCake and stating that it might have been a kinky sex position, Leigh Bush shared that he is aware of fans having such a hard time seeing child talent grow up. How was he able to bypass (what seems to be) the curse? He says that the best road to finding success as such, is by being yourself, and keep God first and last. We totally agree.

    Be on the lookout for his new album Coming of Age, as it is going to be music from the soul, for the soul. For more about Leigh Bush, just click here.

  • Interview: Angela Brejt (Trash Clothing)

    Trash Clothing

    A touch of trash

    Angela Brejt, owner and designer of Trash Clothing, has an anarchistic approach to design that most commercial brands have yet to achieve. It screams the notion of individuality while embodying the attitude and style of a notable streetwear brand. As the collection is focused mainly on urban streetwear, Trash leans heavily on statement and graphic themes that are socially progressive and gets the conversation started. Most silhouettes are clean with bursts of color, so you can’t possibly miss Brejt’s message. Recently, the opportunity presented itself for me to speak with Brejt about how Trash came about, and what makes her brand stand out as “Queen of the Pack”.

    Trash Clothing

    What is the origin of your brand’s name?

    It’s associated with the idea that, in the end every piece of clothing will end up in a trash bin. It’s a metaphor. I’m happy with it. At the same time, I assure you that my designs are not just rubbish. These are carefully crafted designs [of] good quality and [that are] timeless.

    Trash Clothing

    trash-clothing-grungecake-thumbnail-03

    Who would you say is your target market or customer?

    I design for modern women. Young, old, crazy, elegant, stylish, and extravagant. I would also like to attract the artistic soul. After a year of operation with the brand, I was able to verify who really wants my clothes. These are serious, stylish women who apparently need a little fun. It also [attracts] artists, stylists, and singers. I am happy that I was able to reach out to different communities. On my Facebook account, I feature new designs and my lovely clients wearing my brand.

    Trash Clothing

    What makes your brand different?

    It’s not an easy question. It would be nice to hear someone [else] answer this question. I think it is important that all images appearing on my clothes are my copyright concepts, and each piece in the collection requires a lot of work. Do not copy, do not impose a ready-made pictures or illustrations, but I create my stories. I am sure that what I do is original. It is also important that I want to sell clothes at prices accessible to everyone.

    Trash Clothing

    What inspired your current collection?

    It depends on which collection you ask [of], because I will soon show a completely new story. But the truth is that most of the ideas that I realized, came [to me] a few years ago. Now, I just have the opportunity to fulfill my ideas from the past. My inspiration comes from art, music and talented people. It sounds corny, but everyone will find among these areas, something just for themselves.

    What are some of your favorite fabrics to use and why?

    I admit that I do not have favorite materials. I try to create from what I can because in my country, we do not have access to what is in the West. It is sometimes difficult to create what I actually want, but I do not give up easily and I am happy with my projects. It’s easier to tell you about what I do not like. Namely, natural leather or real fur from animals. I believe that this is not necessary.

    Trash Clothing

    Aside from your website, are there any additional locations where pieces from your collection can be purchased?

    I focus only on my store. Of course. I have foreign customers especially in Australia and the U.S. but I do not control that. I know I’m being watched by big brands. I even got an interesting collaboration offer, but it is not a good time for such decisions. I have been working on the development of the brand gradually, and it’s hard to say what I decide in the future. Trash’s progress is very fast and it is a big surprise for me.

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

    I like the idea of your site. The piece that I found in your description:

    [quote]GrungeCake supports the arts. With a very specific taste, it covers the many talents of the world’s most quaint, creative and players.[/quote]

    I also believe that there is a lot of amazing people in the world, and I am pleased that you wanted to know more about me. I will definitely look to you. Nowadays, it is difficult to breakthrough the big brands that have colossal amounts [of items] for different types of media and reaching out to potential customers. I am very glad that more and more alternative projects want to write about interesting people, regardless of their origin.

    For more about Angela Brejt’s Trash Clothing brand, just click here.

  • Interview: Nyemiah Supreme

    Not sure if Nyemiah Supreme is related to Kenneth McGriff, but she’s winning like Queens royalty.

    Nyemiah Supreme
    Photos: NaShish Scott for GrungeCake

    Nyemiah Supreme (23), like most of her corrivals, should expect volatile and searing criticism, and comparisons to everyone who precedes her, even if the claims do not gel well in the beginning, which is why we needed to meet Timbaland’s new protégé in person. In our discovery, we’ve found that the new South Jamaica Queens native emcee is a genteel young adult who is well-composed, and she knows what she wants.

    Consciously, she makes it a point to not be known or remembered for the parts of her body she chooses to expose. Naturally, she was blessed with a petite frame, perfect lips and teeth, a derrière that fits today’s commercial standards and a familiar face that can be marketed and manufactured any day of the week, but that shouldn’t be your only focus. Within the four years she’s been on the scene, as Juelz Santana’s assistant and otherwise, she shares that her greatest challenge yet has been to seek positive attention.

    Nyemiah Supreme

    For me, it’s been trying to get attention without it being based on my body or my looks, so I want for being Nyemiah Supreme, and the music that I make but I want the attention to come from the music that I make and not just the body part I’m showing.

    She admits being sexy woman has its downsides, especially, when it’s not all she has to offer. “It’s a challenge,” she added.

    What keeps you going?

    Knowing that I can make it. I don’t feel like I have any other options of what I want do. You know, I’m not going to make a plan B. This is what I want to do and I’ve gotten really far to come from absolutely nothing. Like really, the bottom of the basket so, I’ve gotten here. I’m not gonna stop going as high as I can go.

    When are you most comfortable?

    When I’m laughing. When I feel good, I tell a lot of jokes so, watching comedies with my friends, just being stupid, just being Nyemiah. Just being silly.

    Where does your confidence originate and who or what can we attribute your tenacity?

    My confidence originates in, I would say, maybe fear. From being scared to do something and just saying like, alright fuck it. You have no choice but to, you know, just jump in it. You can contribute my tenacity, probably to my mother. She is real. She’s like what my personality should be as a rapper. She’s real crazy and silly, so I look at her as something I want to be: To be able to make people laugh and smile and wanna love you.

    When you first heard the name GrungeCake, what came to mind?

    GrungeCake… I thought of like a cupcake… but still pretty. I don’t know, it just really didn’t give off a “grunge” look to me. You know, something pretty and pink. I don’t know.

    To you, what does it mean to be a Cake Girl?

    It means that you have a big booty and that you gotta lot of money and cake.

    What speckle of advice can you give to fellow business women or aspiring rappers?

    Don’t let the negative things in a situation stop you from going to where you want to go. Every situation has positives and negatives, so don’t let small and little things be what makes you stop you from going where you want to go.

    Today, Nyemiah Supreme’s released a new EP called There Can Be More Than 1 produced by Timbaland. Additional production are crafted by DJ Mustard, Chi Duly & Louie XIV, Big Fruit, Reefa, and Conscious Beats. It was recorded over the course of a year in Atlanta and New York City.

    Read Nyemiah’s take on the EP:

    To me this body of music speaks to everyone. I wanna move the people, not only with incredible production which there is but with messages and topics that are relatable, conversation provoking, and most certainly fun. Some tracks make you wanna shake your ass and some make you feel like you that bitch, while others will speak to more of the relationship between girls and guys.” Overall it gives you a good sense of where I am at in my life personally.

    Click this link to download and let us know what you think about it.

    Shana (Hair)
    Rodney Jon (MUA)
    Bitching and Junk Food (Grey Bodysuit) Zara Men’s (Grey Sweat Pants) and Timberland (Boots)
    NaShish Scott (Editorial Photographer)
    Jazzlyn Kirkland (Transcriptionist)

    GrungeCake

  • Interview: Chetna Singh

    On the heels of Nolcha Fashion Week, Designer Chetna Singh wowed show attendees with her “Art Scarves” geared to stylish feminine sophisticates. Originally from India, Singh’s vision is strongly influenced by her early years submerged in her native culture. Today she is bridging the gap with her original art printed on a timeless accessory — scarves. Her pieces make a bold statement as to who she is as a cultured artist and activist. I had a chance to talk with her about her transition into the fashion industry and what inspires her.

    Chetna Singh's Buddha Unchained

    What was it like showing your designs at Nolcha Fashion Week?

    It was a fantastic experience. I met wonderful and inspiring people from all over the world and got excellent feedback!

    How did you find out about Nolcha Fashion week?

    I am connected to Modalyst, a platform for accessories designer and boutiques and they encouraged me to apply.

    Chetna Singh's The Indian Jungle
    The Indian Jungle

    What makes your brand different?

    The scarves are my original works of art printed on silk. They are very different from the scarves in the market today and afford the consumer a piece of artwork that can be worn or framed.

    Who inspires you as an artist?

    (I’m assuming you mean what instead of who? Please correct me if I’m wrong.) My Indian heritage, people, horses, mythology and traveling to different parts of the world.

    Who is your favorite painter?

    Van Gogh, Monet, and MF Hussain to name a few.

    What fabrics do you enjoy printing on?

    I love silk. It’s luxurious, feels great and the colors are striking and very true to the original painting.

    Aside from your website, are there any additional locations where pieces from your collection can be purchased?

    Yes, I’m on Modalyst (for boutique buyers), and in stores at Rouge (Princeton) And Tula (Shrewsbury) both boutiques are in New Jersey.

    What are your thoughts on GrungeCake?

    A wonderful lifestyle magazine with great focus on talent, fashion, music and so much more!

  • Interview: Bitter Party of Five Talks Show’s Origin, Best Moments, And Famous Guest Selections

    Bitter Party of Five cast members

    Whether you’re looking for some a new discovery to brag and tweet about online or you’re the type who’s genuinely interested in learning miscellaneous things about famous actors and actresses, this new web series Bitter Party of Five is an episodic comedy with candor and spice that’s set around a round dinner table with five friends and one guest who they maliciously yet funnily role play and interview all for your viewing pleasure. Amongst the cast members are the talented Jason Antoon (Contact), Tricia O’Kelley (The New Adventures of Old Christine), Greg Cromer (Happy Endings) and Romy Rosemont (Glee).

    Whose bright idea is this?

    “In a general way, it was everybody’s idea. We were doing the TV pilot, where we met, we all sort of agreed that if the show for some crazy reason didn’t get picked up we should do something together anyway because we were obsessed with each other,” Mary vocalized.

    Jason shouted, “Mine, fuck those other guys!”

    “Mine… I’ve never met these people before. Clearly, they are just trying to ride my coattails,” Rosemont insisted.

    Tricia rationalized, “Depends on who you ask. Mary says it was Jason’s. Jason says it was Romy’s. Romy says it was Greg’s. Greg says it was mine. I say he’s probably right. But Adam our director can take some credit, too. And God, probably.”

    “It was originally called ‘Passed Over’. For like a minute. The idea was to have a glass of wine on the table and leave the door ajar for our celebrity guest to arrive. We ended up retooling the idea so as not to isolate such a large percentage of the population,” Tricia recalled.

    As you can imagine, I laughed really hard.

    “It’s just funny because, I can barely make time for the friends I’ve had since I was like 18. The last thing I wanted was more friends but I was like, “You know what? I can’t help myself. I’ve got some new friends.” Which is really rare. So, we all knew we wanted to work with each other somehow, whether we had NBC’s blessing or not. Once the show looked like it wasn’t getting picked up, we just kind of met at Tricia O’Kelley’s house, and mostly, I think it was producer Adam Rosenblatt who came up with it.

    Was it originally called Bitter Party of Five or did it have another name?

    “We were going back and forth, but I think originally it was going to be called “Passed Over”. I could be wrong. I think it may have been around the time of Passover or something,” she laughed.

    Romy exclaimed, “It was originally called Please Give Us A Job… but we didn’t want to appear needy.”

    Jason interjected, “It was originally called “Jason’s ______ Giant Suck House” but I got out voted.”

    On why NBC possibly didn’t pick it up

    “It wasn’t our baby originally. it was Eric Gilliland and Roseanne Barr’s [sort of] brain child. We were just [sort of] the hired help, you know? So, it hurt a little less that it didn’t get picked up in that, it wasn’t like they were rejecting our show. You know what I mean? It was their show. Honestly, I can’t believe I’m saying this because usually I’m the first to be like ‘Ugh, we’ve made so many mistakes’ but I really thought it was pretty amazing. I don’t have any idea for sure why NBC didn’t choose to pick it up. My gut is telling me that the sponsors, the advertising execs may have gotten notice, at the time, Roseanne was a little more political than she usually was… Running for president. So, I think they may have gotten a little bit nervous but I could be wrong about that. We’ll never really know, I guess.”

    What’s your favourite part about the show?

    I really love what they call “the cold read” where we make the actors perform the scenes, usually famous scenes. I love the train wrecks. I love it when — It’s just awkward. I just… I live for that,” she laughs.

    I love the part where Jason Antoon is doing the Scarface scene, and not pronouncing all of the letters, and I really like the quick jabs like the one about Arabs being intense. It’s really funny. Watch the scene at 7:04.

    [youtube=://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kp6d0TC89dc&w=560&h=315]

    How do you get your guests to appear or agree on the episodes? Are they friends that you’ve had or worked with before? What’s the connection?

    “We beg. We beg. We blackmail. Blackmail is very useful,” Birdsong kids. “At this point so far, it is all people we’ve worked with in our various shows we’ve done. I mean, and it is amazing when we think we kind of set ourselves in as the ‘lovable losers’, it’s pretty amazing when you think about all of the amazing people we’ve gotten to work with. So, we’re very lucky in that way. and even after working with us, they’re still willing.”

    Tricia joked, “We’re easy on the eyes.”

    “Because they want to recapture that feeling of being next to a bitter actor who can barely get SAG’s plan 1 insurance,” Jason finalizes. “Nothing’s real – we live in The Matrix where Keanu Reeves is the best actor in the world.”

    And when I asked “How much of their actions are real? Are the behaviors scripted or are they kind of loose?” They all responded in a similar way:

    Mary answered first, “Before we have a guest on the show, we’ll all do research on them because usually the guest is good friends with one of the cast members and the rest of us know their work obviously but might have to do a little homework to find out some information about them that not the average person would know. So, we definitely do homework and we’ll think of funny questions to ask them. We have an episode coming up with Tony Hale (Arrested Development) who just won an Emmy for Veep, and I discovered online that he met his wife at a bible camp and I thought, ‘Well, I’ve gotta do something with that.’ But we don’t know exactly or necessarily word for word what that will be. We’ll kind of have a general idea of what we’re going to ask them and then, the fun is we don’t know how they’re going to respond. It is totally improvised, in that regard but we just kind of start out with a general outline of what we’re going to do and see how it plays out. We had no idea Allison Janney and Greg Cromer were going to have a huge makeout party. That wasn’t scripted at all.”

    Romy authenticated, “The Bitter Gang writes the questions and picks the cold reads… The guests know nothing! They react truthfully. It is their choice if they want to treat it like a “regular” interview show or climb on the crazy bus with us.”

    “Guests have no idea what questions are going to be asked. We tell them they can react in whatever way they want. We see a lot of horror and disdain,” says Tricia.

    What? Wow. Impromptu, that just put a whole different. spin on it. I really like the guest, and everything because I feel like they give back the bitterness that you guys give them, so it shows them in a different vain.

    “Oh yeah, they’re good. They’re genuinely friends of ours, but we’re just being total dicks. I mean, they can stick up for themselves,” she laughs.

    *We’re not exactly sure how soon that episode with hot and married Tony Hale will be available, but you can watch Bitter Party of Fives’ latest episode with Yvette Nicole Brown (Community) right under this thick block of text. Birdsong revealed that they were able to get Ms. Brown on the show because they’ve all (with the exception Tricia O’Kelley) have worked with her in the past. Also slated to make us laugh until we cry is legendary Canadian actor comedian Martin Short and famed British actor Alfred Molina. We’ve been told Molina’s role is along the lines of Allison Janey’s episode in terms of how it played out. That’s all we can share for now.

    [youtube=://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoKqTOVxzaE&w=560&h=315]

    For more about Bitter Party of Five, just click here.

  • Goapele Live: All Work, No Play

    Get to know Goapele.

    Goapele

    As my Assistant Editor and I sat in the dark club, waiting for our food and intern to arrive, we gushed about how much we wanted to hear Goapele sing “Closer” and “Play” live for the first time. It was exciting. Like many fans, we are highly supportive of studio recorded albums, but we see eye to eye when it comes to concerts. We know and agree that there’s absolutely nothing like it. The live experience is one of a kind, and even with as much as the music business has changed and continues to change, this portion hasn’t. Fairly, we cannot see how it ever will. Nothing can or will replace the feelings and memories created when you’re in the same room as your favourite artists. Besides their vocals for which you bought a ticket, you’re bound to hear (s)he breathing heavily on a custom-made microphone or a loud and violent sneeze mid lyric like a regular person! In due course, your worldly problems recede your hairline. Because of the atmosphere, you easily forget yourself for a moment and you’ve gained the blue-ribbon experience of exploring romantic wrinkles and voluminous pores that pay rent to live on your musical deity’s face. You know, those types of humanistic facial features that your forefather concertgoers secretly shared with you as if they were Sade’s Sweetest Taboos? Shit, and if you’re close enough, you might become a fleshy human towel for someone’s bodily excrement fleeting from the moving body of your soon-to-be former husbands (or wives). It’s great!

    *If you’re a heterosexual male reader who’s really interested and obsessed with the way women look, even when mentioned hypothetically, please feel free to insert “hot girl with no strings attached” in place of husbands or wives. We totally get you.

    When we were raving about going to see Goapele, some of you were completely lost. You didn’t know who she was, so here’s something written for you in mind:

    If you’re not thoroughly in the know about Goapele, that’s okay. She’s an Oakland native and former Berklee College of Music student who has been more than just a “neo soul” singer by definition. The singer also injects trip hop, lieder, jazz and contemporary R&B tempos, breaks and influences into her sound. Her name means to “move forward” in Setswana, a South African language. You’d think that that’s all to Goapele, but it isn’t. She’s politically active like her parents. Her father, Douglas Mohlabane, was an exiled political activist in South Africa and her mother, a Jewish Israeli from New York named Noa, who attended protests since she was 12-years-old met each other in Nairobi, Kenya and married. As a child, she was exposed to rallies and leadership conferences that she’d attend with her mother. She’s been awarded for her human rights work by Ella Baker Center for Human Rights located in Carolina. It was their first ever Human Rights Cultural Hero Award. She’s released four studio albums since 2001, and has had great unwavering support from her family. At the moment, she listens to J. Cole, Justin Timberlake, Little Dragon, and Meshell Ndegeocello. “I listen to a lot of different stuff,” says the eclectic songstress.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRn2DAggPEE&h=315]

    The sampler arrived and so, did, the petite woman with mountainous coils that is our intern. She’d been at a video shoot prior and she was ready to unwind, so I gave her my drink. It was a Mango Champagne which consists of the fruit’s puree and vodka and peach schnapps. My Assistant Editor was in the mood for something small, red, berry-like and acidic, so she ordered a “Sex On Bubbles” which also consisted of peach schnapps, stoli vodka, chambord, champagne and cranberry. Our Taste of The World Sampler was a platter of grilled linguica, pasteis, chicken passarinho, codfish cakes, garlic shrimp and fried plantains — enough for three to nibble at after 7PM. We eat dinner before 6.

    When she walked on stage, it was an hour later than we expected but it didn’t matter much as soon as we laid eyes on her. She glowed from head to toe. She wore short blond, her shirt read “P-L-A-Y” in big white letters, she wore fitting accessories, and she didn’t look a day older than 25. Quite frankly, our stomachs were full and we were in good company. She was worth the wait. We asked if her shirt was apart of the items on her merch table, and she told us it was not. Rats!

    At the very end of the show, we were asked to wait fifteen additional minutes to speak with Goapele. Who seemed to be real-life fans waited too to give her a bouquet of flowers, handshakes and kisses. Things that president would do, if he were visiting victims in a hospital. At least, that’s what it felt like.

    Finally, we made it to the interview area.

    When asked if she’s going to be around longer this time, she replied “Yes, I am.” The following day, she played in Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and a fest in Atlanta to follow with Snoop, Amel Larrieux, Goodie Mob. She added that she’d play in Charlotte and Annapolis, too. We’ve been playing her new album Break of Dawn more than any set of human beings should listen to any body of music, so we had to ask her about her process and what this album means to her.

    Goapele's "Break of Dawn" album cover

    According to the Bay area songstress, Break of Dawn is “an empowering album for women” that shows range of emotions. Specifically, being vulnerable, bold and playful. “That’s really what I wanted to experiment with this time,” said the 36-year-old Oakland-based soul singer-songwriter.

    At times, as fans we hope for artists to reply with intricate answers when talking about their music inspirations and Goapele was no exception. Simply, she credits “the music” itself as being her inspiration as a songwriter.

    I like to approach songwriting like I’m singing something that was already there and sometimes, it takes a lot of effort and sometimes, it’s effortless and I don’t have to think about it. It just comes out and it just fits like a glove, and that’s what I look for.

    She talks a little bit on why she cut her hair,

    It’s been some kind of cycle that I’ve kept up for a long time. Since childhood, every now and then, I’d get it cut off and have it short and natural. It always feels vulnerable at first, but it also feels free. So, I always end up coming back to that at some point.

    GrungeCake. I don’t know but I say the music that I do — when I’m in a creative mode — and production mode building with people I like to keep it pretty and gritty so I imagine it’s something like GrungeCake,” she explained when I asked what comes to mind when she hears the name of the publication.

    Approaching the end of our time with Goapele, she was visibly tired. Seemingly, we were the last bunch to talk to her. Her patience was solid until her manager tried to take a second photo of us altogether. “That’s fine,” she told her manager when she tried to snap another.

    Overall, we enjoyed ourselves. Our food was delicious, our drinks were chilled and we had the opportunity to spend a few minutes with someone who makes music that’s apart of our lives, as much as it is for her. For as long as we have been fans, it was a pleasure to witness her raw talent on stage and in-person. It meant a lot for us, and we’ll forever hold onto that memory. Special thanks to Biz3 and SOBs for making it possible, in the fashion that it did.

    For more Goapele, just click here. If you loved the songs as much as we do above, support the artist and click to buy the album.

    GrungeCake

  • Interview: Dawn Gun

    BTS: Dawn Gun

    Not too long ago, we met up with Harlem raised, Los Angeles based emcee Dawn Gun who shared her gripping views on challenges within womanhood, the experience of making her new album La Pistola, which is available worldwide, and her proposition for fellow female emcees to join her label, Pretty Ill Entertainment. Inspired by previous mic wreckers such as Salt & Pepper, Queen Latifah and Eric B. & Rakim, and being compared to one of Hip-Hop’s most consistent emcees Nas, Dawn Gun strikes for her own sound while remembering those who passed on the torch before hand. Coming together with LexZyne Productions on a collaborated track called “Body Bag” with her sister Brandi Kane from their crew “(Sis)tem”, and “One 212” produced by XL Productionz where she sheds a flavorant 80’s flow with style to match.

    She also runs an online vintage boutique called La Pistola Vintage which is a spin-off to her raps. Having vivid reminiscence of her Latin childhood, Gun explains why she’s the trigger and the shooter.

    Where did the name Dawn Gun come from?

    Dawn Gun was actually an alias that I had. My last name is kinda mobbish. A friend of mine named me. I was previously releasing music under the moniker “Mis.Led!” and when I got my distribution deal with INgrooves-Fontana. I had some legal issues with the name, so I wound up just going with Dawn Gun.

    That’s what it is. Nice. So, you’re a mother now?

    I am. Yes.

    Would being a mother ever be a conflict, when it comes to your music?

    Being a mom is awesome. I actually have two very beautiful, gorgeous children and it’s not really a conflict with my music. My music is pretty forthright and it might be a little grimy and a little explicit for them to listen to, but it doesn’t conflict with how I raise them or anything like that. And as far as me being able to pursue what it is that I’m doing musically, I have a really supportive family and it’s not a problem for my kids to be with my family while I have to do a show or if I need time to write a song or focus in the studio, or something like that. So it’s been a blessing. They actually inspire me to continue what I’m doing.

    And would you ever change your style of music for your daughter?

    Would I change my style of music for her? If she sat down and told me that there was something that she wanted me to do or something that she wanted to talk about I think I will definitely take it into consideration. But I don’t know about changing. Changing completely? I don’t know. It would have to be a really good reason, I think. She’ll have to talk to mommy about that.

    Would you ever think about compromising with her?

    Yeah. I mean I don’t really think my music is that bad to where she would want me to change, you know? Maybe she’d ask me to not curse so much. I would understand that. But I think she’ll pretty much rock with me. You know, if she had an issue with it, then we’ll talk about it.
    ​

    What is your first memory of music?

    Oh wow! My first memory of music has gotta be in my grandmother’s house. I was raised in a Puerto Rican home with my grandmother. It was a lot of merengue, a lot of salsa going on and she was always cooking up Spanish food. So, I remember being in the kitchen and her putting on a real old school box-like radio. Like, a real old school radio and just always hearing Spanish music blasting through the speakers in the kitchen while she was cooking. I can smell the food now! So yeah, that’s my first memory of music. Me and Hip-Hop? My father really introduced me to Hip-Hop, and he had all the fresh Hip-Hop before anybody else did. I was constantly asking him, ‘What is that? Who is that? Where did you get this from?’ And he’d be like, ‘Just follow me kid.’ He was a big Hip-Hop influence on me, but musically speaking, I think I remember just being in my grandmother’s kitchen always hearing: (Claps rhythm) you know? It was awesome. It was fun.

    Do you incorporate your Puerto Rican culture into your music often?

    Yes! Well, my album is called La Pistola, which I think is an ode to my name and also an ode to my Puerto Rican roots. With the album, it’s really not a traditional Hip-Hop album. It’s really musical. It’s a musical album and there are some Spanish influences on some of the tracks, [there] and in the style of that, I chose to write and spit the verses too. So yeah, it’s not completely drowned in like, ‘Oh my God, it’s soaked in arroz con pollo’ but it’s there and you can tell that there’s something Latin about that — that sound.

    Right, the vibe, I like that. I like that, and who would you say influence you the most as an artist?

    Old School Hip-Hop really influenced me and it does continue to influence me today, because it was so raw and so real and it talked about things that were happening and not just dreams — what you want — and what you wish for and what could be. But the delivery was so raw and so real that it stayed with me and the love that I have for it just continues till this day. So I think just in general, old school Hip-Hop, and artist like Boogie Down Productions, Eric B. & Rakim, Salt & Pepper, MC Lyte. Even Antoinette, Isis, Sweet Tee… Those type of females, and that type of Hip-Hop is what is in my heart.

    So, that real core 80’s Hip-Hop?

    Yeah, The Golden Era of music — The Golden Era — 90’s Hip-Hop was also incredible but I don’t think it influenced me as much, as style goes.

    How long have you been recording?

    I’ve been recording probably about thirteen years. I’ve been rapping for a really long time. Like forever, since I could remember and things like being in high school and battling in high school and taking out opposite crews and things of that nature was always there. But when it came to writing a real song, to production getting in there and actually completing it? I started doing that in 2000 and that was because I had so many talented people, producers, engineers, writers, rappers around me that were like, ‘Why aren’t you doing this? You need to utilize your tools here.’ And I thought, ‘You’re right. Let me really jump into this and really take it seriously.’ So I recorded my first song it was called, “Super B-Girl” and I think that was the year 2000 or 2001. It was fun. From that point on, it was fun trying to find my voice on the mic, and figure out my style, my delivery and it was a good time and I liked it. Since then I want to be in the studio, I want to make music, I want to complete music and I want to make a difference with my music. I can’t do that if I’m just sitting around writing to myself. Calling my friends up spitting hot verses — that’s not going to get my on so I been doing it for a minute now. But I’m happy to be where I am at this point with my album, it’s finally out. So I’ve been going for a while.

    What would you say is your style?

    My style. I been told told that I have a “Salt” from Salt & Pepper style with a mixture of a “Nas”. I don’t necessarily compare myself to those artists and I’m even blown away that they would even compare me to those artist but I feel like my style comes from an organic place with loving Hip-Hop. I listen to Nas, I listen to Jay [Z], I listen to Prodigy, Ghostface, those are like my favorite rappers and I know in some way or another they influence my style a bit but my style is like mine.

    It’s you.

    Yeah, so if you would say ‘What do you sound like? Or who would you compare yourself?’ or something like that, I think you yourself would understand that I kind of fall into my own category a little bit.

    There it is. You’re your own person.

    That’s how I feel.

    What challenges have you faced so far?

    I think every day is a challenge. I’m a mom. I’m an independent woman. I’ve been on my own for a really long time so every day in life is a challenge. But with the music — being a female is a challenge. Being a female in life in the world is a challenge, right? So, you take an industry and its dominated by men and they can see you have talent. It’s awesome, you work with a lot of people but they tend to focus on the male rappers and put them more as a priority when a female, who is me, who’s ready to go, who should have been smashed, and probably could blow your whole label up is sitting in the back like ‘Well, why am I playing second fiddle to this dude when you know I’m doper than him?’ That’s been a challenge for me and I feel like if I was a guy, it wouldn’t be such a thing. I’ve had some setbacks where I had to start over. I have had to press the reset button a few times on projects because of that same thing. You have an artist that you want to push, you want me on your roster but you don’t want me to be a priority right now. I have to wait. I’m not waiting. I’m ready. So that’s been a challenge for me but I’m happy now because I’ve been doing it independently. Sometimes, you gotta do it yourself.

    Do you ever have any doubts about being a musician? With achieving your goals?

    I think in the beginning I doubted if I could really pull it off for my career and a real future. I come from a family that really pushes me do well academically and have a safety net and sometimes you just gotta say “Fuck the safety net!” Sorry? I’m going to fly or die. And that’s just what it is. I believe if I could see it, then I could make it. If I could see it, if I could see you, I’m going to touch you. So as long as I see it in my head, I know that it’s going to be okay and even with the sad times, the ups and downs, this is it for me. I’m built for this, so I’m going. There’s no doubt in my mind that this is what’s up for me.

    What are your goals?

    Well right now, and I say right now loosely I guess because this is a forever thing, I started my company — my own label which is called “Pretty Ill Entertainment” and that’s how I released my album through my partner XL Productionz, also with INgroovers-Fontana and what I want and what we will be is the hub for the female emcee. Not exclusive to the female emcee but the hub because I’m surrounded by so many beautiful women artists including my crew, The (Sis)tem, that don’t have an outlet. A real outlet. I don’t know why people are so scared to take chances on a female with skills! I’m surrounded by females with skills so Pretty Ill Entertainment is going to be the hub for the female emcee. I want to put out everybody! If Roxanne Shanté wants to come back, she’s coming out through Pretty Ill Entertainment. If Queen Latifah wants to come back, Monie Love, Miss Toy, or whoever out there thinks, ‘I want to put out an album. Who can I go to? What would be the right label for me?’ Pretty Ill Entertainment is going to be that label.

    Ladies!

    The independent labels will be the major labels… don’t get it twisted. These major labels are crumbling left and right which is why they’re signing independent talent. So, with that said, Pretty Ill Entertainment is going to be a major one-day so get on now!

    How do you plan to expand the female emcee’s narrative?

    Plan to expand by just doing me. I mean don’t write in a box, so I’m a free thinker and the way I put it down on paper, I put it down pretty freely. Which is why I believe I have respect from males and females. I speak from a female perspective but I also understand what’s real and it’s hard to say what’s real when you’re a female without being consider a bitch but when you’re a dude, you could kind of say what’s real and just kind of get away with it. It doesn’t have anything to do with gender. So, I know when I speak, I speak from the heart and I speak for all people and I think that women get put into a box where speaking about sex or they’re speaking about money and I want to expand the narrative. I think I’m already doing that by just reaching out and talking about different things and just being real with everybody because as long as your real, people could relate and that equals success.

    Dawn Gun

    That’s what they want.

    They want someone they could relate too. They don’t want someone that they can’t touch. So, I’ll let you touch me.

    A little bit.

    (Laughs) You got to pay a little and then you could touch me a little bit. But I want to touch a lot of people and I think I’m doing that right now because I just speak the truth. It’s nothing specific, no main topic, what do you stand for, what are you about. It’s just truth, that’s it. I stand for the truth I speak the truth. So, that’s how you females need to expand your own damn narrative! (Laughs).

    (Laughs) Lay it on the line thick!

    But I lead by example. I will.

    So, tell me exactly like we spoke before, what is The (Sis)tem and how did you get involved?

    Absolutely, The (Sis)tem crew is my crew! We’re actually being called ‘the female Wu’. Which is fun!

    BTS: Dawn Gun

    Shout out to Wu-Tang Clan!

    Yes, they actually call us the “Pu-Tang Clan” which is funny because we got boxes. So, The (Sis)tem crew is six wonderful female emcee, and one gorgeous DJ Jiji Sweet. There’s Kandi Cole, Brandi Kane, Oracle Jane Doe, Miss Bliss, myself Dawn Gun and DVS1. But The (Sis)tem crew is a crew of dope female emcee’s and one dope ass DJ and we just rep for the females. It came out of Project Blowed, which is the longest running Hip-Hop open mic on the planet. Peace out to Freestyle Fellowship, The Good Life Bullies and everybody that pioneered that movement. The (Sis)tem comes from Project Blowed. So I linked up with the (Sis)tem and we’re just like a force to be reckon with. We have an EP out called “The Treatment”. You could get find it on Bandcamp. We’re just awesome. We all have solo projects and were solo emcees but we come together like Voltron and we smash! It’s fun.

    What have you learned from being apart of The (Sis)tem?

    You know what? I learned that I could actually get along with girls. I really can because when it’s genuine and everybody in The (Sis)tem is really genuine, there’s no real beef. There’s may be disagreements because we all don’t see eye to eye on certain things but it all comes from a place of love and truth so we really really rock with each other.

    Sisterhood.

    Exactly! Sisterhood. And we love each other so I’ve learned that I could really get along with girls that are my friends. I have to work with them, we have to be in each other’s face, we tour, you know we burp in front of each other, all kinds of crazy stuff but I never saw myself being in that atmosphere or in that environment ever and now that I’m in it, I could rock with it. It’s fun, I like it and nice to unify and stand for one common cause and have the support of so many dope women behind you.

    So being in the (Sis)terhood, do you take critique from other entertainers? And how do you take that?

    I take critique from everybody. I’m really open, I’m really approachable with things. If I give you the open door, it’s sincere. So I’m always open to hear someone else critique or opinion. As long as that’s just what it is. Don’t get at me! Getting at me is like, getting at me you know? But I’m receptive to that because I want to be my best and I want other people to like what I do and it matters to me what other people think to an extinct.

    So tell us more about the album, why did you choose that name and what’s the message?

    Well, my album is called “La Pistola”. It’s available everywhere! Everywhere, everywhere, internationally everywhere, go get it! U.K., Australia, England, Japan, everywhere go get it! I called it La Pistola because that’s actually a nickname Brandy Colemy (Sis)tem crew member gave me. Every time I walk in the building she’s like “LaPistola!” and I was like “I really like that.” Like I am the pistol, I am the gun, I’m the straight shooter, I’m going off, I’m the one so it felt good to name my album “La Pistola” in a manner of looking at myself just in a different light. Taking Dawn Gun away. La Pistola is more like an urban legend.

    An alter ego?

    Yeah, she’s like the urban legend of how Dawn Gun became Dawn Gun. La Pistolas.

    The root.

    Exactly! The root of it and it just made sense to name my album that. So I released it on my label Pretty Ill Entertainment (P.I.E.) because everyone wants a piece of the P.I.E. The album is a really fun time with a really fun girl on a really dark night and it’s eleven really dope tracks executive produced by Ty Black 32310. It has a track called “Body Bag” which is really a dope track with Brandi Kane and that’s produced by LexZyne Productions. They’re partners, one is from the Bay and one is from Texas so I think that’s pretty cool. And then XL who is of no limit fame, he came up with No Limit and Master P and was really responsible for that sound that they came up with back in the 90’s. So XL did a track on my album and the message is really is, have fun, hang out and be you. If you want to chill with me, that’s how you got to be and I’m pretty chillable so come out, hang out with us, and have a good time but it’s going to be raw. It’s not really a message base album, it’s just really a good time but a dark album. But it’s good, it’s fun, it’s like a ride out album.

    Nice, so it’s like some summertime jams.

    There’s some Summertime shit. Matter fact, I just released my single “One 212” and I filmed that in New York. In Harlem. In my ‘hood.

    Is that the black and white video?

    [youtube=://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCAV1m3sK-c&h=315]

    Yeah that’s a real good summer jam right there. Just a real good, feel good, get paper, kind of like a bit of an anthem. So yeah, there’s some Summertime shit on there. Some heartfelt stuff on there. Some real raw, you know, smoke with your peoples type shit, some sit-around-and-talk shit. I’m really good at talking shit.

    Politicking.

    Mhm, that’s what I do.

    How do you first hear about GrungeCake? And what comes to mind when you hear that name?

    Actually, I heard of GrungeCake probably a couple of years ago. I’m down with Hellfyre Club: Nocando, Kail, Rob, Sahtyre — everybody — Open Mike Eagle and I heard about GrungeCake really just being involved with them. I did my own research. So when I think of GrungeCake, I think of independent and eccentric artistry being exposed and being appreciated. That’s what I feel. It’s really edgy but it’s super cute. I don’t know. It’s my style, so I’m excited to be apart of the GrungeCake movement right now.

    And are you looking to be a mainstream artist or musician?

    Like I said earlier, I do believe the independent labels will be the major labels so we’re going to dictate what becomes mainstream. I know I have the appeal to crossover but I’m not really holding myself in just a ‘Hip-Hop light’. I could rock hip-hop all day long but I have versatility and a variety to offer, in general. I think I have that now. I think the right people need to see it so I could have those opportunities but right now I am “The Kwan”, you guys. Show me the money, okay? The Kwan! You seen Jerry Maguire? The Kwan, it’s everything. You have it. It’s just, you need to know where it is, so you could find it and then I’m mainstream overnight? I don’t know. But I think it could happen. Definitely.

    So, what’s next for you?

    I’m running my company. I want to put out some really great female artists and I want to build the right foundation for Pretty Ill Entertainment. I really want to promote the hell [out of] “La Pistola”, my album. I want to put out The (Sis)tem crew and I want to expand. So, this is a business. I’m running a business. I’m not selling CDs out of my trunk. This shit is for real, so I’m just going to make it even more realer. Every day that goes by, I’m just solidifying everything that has to do with my company Pretty Ill because it’s real. And it’s going to get realer for a lot of other people. We’re going to be a force to be reckoning with so that’s my main focus right now. Pushing my brand. I actually sell vintage clothes online. I have a store called La Pistola Vintage. It’s on Etsy. I have some really great rare finds. I’m focusing on branding and building.

    Nice, and if possible, can we get a freestyle? A quick 16?

    A quick 16? Sure. Absolutely. Let me get my shit together. Is there a beatboxer around here? To read Dawn Gun‘s freestyle verse, just click here.

    To support Dawn Gun, buy her album, follow her on Twitter and share this article with someone that loves music.

    For more Dawn Gun, just click here.

  • Power-singing synth-pop starlet Melissa B. makes stunning debut

    “You never know until you ask and you try” is something Melissa B.’s father taught her.

    Melissa B.

    Aside from growing up all over the world in places like South Carolina to Japan, listening to Donna Summer, and coining her own music style as “electric pop,” Melissa B. — recently, incorrectly referred to as Melissa P. in this MTV VMA video — is a technology geek (formally, a network engineer) that effortlessly intertwines music. She started singing at the age of 5. She’s classically trained and she emerges from a musical family. Dawnn Lewis is her aunt, perhaps best known for her roles on sitcoms such as A Different World. She’s no joke! Subsequently, she is involved with a digital app called Stereotypes that nurtures the void of the MTV VJ and allows you to control your own video rotations like a DJ would do with his or her music. It is available on iTunes, download it here. Aptly, it is “the MTV for the YouTube generation”. She touches on her single “Addicted” and what it is that she finds most challenging as an innovator in the music industry.

    Meeting B. Howard, her main producer, through the Internet was one of the best things that happened to her. She actually met him on the Internet a year ago. Isn’t the Internet amazing? Melissa credits the Internet for and calls it “a blessing” and she “loves the way she’s been interacting with everybody”. She stumbled upon B. Howard via a tweet. She looked his stuff up and soon after, she viewed his producer credits. He asked to hear some of her music and she sent it to him.

    “We’ve been coming up with some great great stuff,” she shared and credited to their chemistry. “We just started working.”

    Have you always been aligned in electropop music or is it more of a current thing?

    You know what’s so funny? No, I have not. A lot of people put me in between like a Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Aaliyah and Janet. If they all had a baby, I would be that one.

    What an orgy.

    I am that R&B soulful singer. I grew up listening to Donna Summer. My parents brought me up to listen to everything. Everyone’s doing this electronic music stuff and all of a sudden, it’s like, it was this voice that was missing.

    When she's in full costume. Designs by Dramatik Fanatik.
    When she’s in full costume. Designs by Dramatik Fanatik.

    [highlight_blue]Listen To Melissa B.’s Addicted via this awesome link.[/highlight_blue]

    Why do you call it “Addicted”? What, specifically, are you addicted to?

    I’m addicted to computers. I am addicted to love. I’m addicted to technology. If you look at the cover, it’s actually a circuit board heart. So I am slowly giving hints — even from the beginning — so people can actually identify and know what it is about me.

    What do you find most challenging with what it is that you do? Especially, since you are network engineer by day and a musician by night. Do you have any challenges? How do you juggle the two?

    That’s a good question. I think the one challenge is juggling both. I’ve been doing it very well but the thing is keeping up with the times. With anything in technology, it definitely changes. It’s like having a doctor’s degree. With the human body, there’s always something new happening. It’s the same with technology. You’re always going to have to keep up with so much at a rapid pace. It used to be where technology was changing every couple of years. Now, it is actually changing every couple of months. Like, even three. It’s even less than that! So these are the things I find challenging. Keeping up with technology and being up to par, or way ahead than anybody else. Thinking way ahead. That’s what I do.

    GC: So, that means you’re mind is always working.

    Interview Highlights

    On Why She Pursued Music

    I’m getting a little sentimental now because when I think of Whitney Houston, ever since I was a little girl, I never knew another singer that I could truly identify with, and with her, she resonated to me. That’s what made me want to become a singer. She was the one person like — My parents were like, you know, ‘What do we do with her voice?’ It’s like trying to find yourself. It’s like how Johnny Gill when he was young. He had that voice. The label didn’t know what to do with it and then, he got into his own. I think this is where I am right now. I’m in my lane and I am getting into my own. Slowly but surely, people are starting to hear about it.

    GC: Absolutely, because I think that your voice, and it being paired with the electronic sound — it’s — You can’t deny it. No one sounds like that over electronic music, so congratulations. It’s great!

    On GrungeCake

    I was curious, and I was curious as to what it was about. It’s a unique name, so it intrigued me. I’m the type of person that, when someone gives me a certain name, like if something doesn’t corner my attention, I’m not going to go to it. So when I heard the name, I was like, ‘That’s different!’ I was like, ‘What’s that about?’

    GC: It is a dichotomy. I kind of took the Pythagorean theorem approach. Grunge being undiscovered, you know, like you. For instance, you’re a great talent but everyone doesn’t know about you yet. So, you’re undiscovered to the masses. You know, the right people know who you are. It’s about your journey and where you want to go and where you want to take and possibly be someone as big as a Whitney Houston or a Mariah Carey or whoever — That’s getting to the Cake. Also, the grunge being the beginnings being hard and the struggles, not having all of the information, assets or components to your goal. Then, when you get to your goal — That’s the Cake. It’s moreso about the human journey or the artistic journey. That’s what it is.

    Okay. I love it!

    GC: Thank you.

    I love it.

    GC: And it loves you!

    We laughed.

    GC: And you just followed me [on Twitter]. It just told me.

    We continue to laugh.

    I don’t play. I don’t around. I’m on top. I know what to do.

    Currently, she’s working on Electric Love EP, in which she’s been working with different producers. We’ll share the release date with you as soon as we get the information. “What You Started” is her upcoming release. You can watch a snippet of its official video here. For more information on Melissa B., just click here and for more about her non-profit focusing on women in technology in New York City, please click here. It’s awesome!

    For more Melissa B., just click here.

  • Interview: Until The Ribbon Breaks

    Until your ribbon breaks

    A short time ago, I enjoyed an intimate evening with Republic Records and co. on the Lower East Side, and I must say, it was truly an inviting experience. From sitting beside Until The Ribbon Breaks, the enthralling new talent, to being solicited by an Asian woman who sold packs of Marlboros and “DVD Porn”, it was a typical New York night, for sure.

    If you’re wondering what makes him so special. Ladies, my next sentence should make you drown at your desks. He was lovable, handsome and most importantly, in my book, belly-busting funny. We guffawed until my adult curfew neared. Before me was a 90-minute journey and I was alone. To be straight up with you, quite frankly, frolicking on the streets of New York City at 3am, in any borough, alone, as a woman is never a good idea. You’d be inviting “adventures of the night”. For now, that’s all I will voluntarily say about that.

    When thinking about his musical talents, why he’s so good and how he effortlessly fulfills your desires and expectations without subjective dispute, desperately, the human in you wants to connect it to something. You want to point it out to people that he’s here, in the market, because he is supposed to be. He was born to be here. Much like creativity, you cannot truly explain it. You feel it and it is your job to show it and share it with the world.

    I find that there’s a meaty difference between creating a single, or a record that borrows from an era (See: Robin Thicke’s Blurred Lines) and legitimately embodying a timeless spirit. What type of spirit you might ponder? The spirit that once was nurtured and molded from a structural, outfitted era in pop music. What I am telling you is that, his authentic skill cannot be fabricated and I, as a journalist, felt the need to yoke it with formal training or traditional, classical influences. Not bad for an act that’s been around for 18 months, isn’t it?

    I remember thinking, “Perhaps, his musical cadence can be linked to training during childhood, or maybe a musical family attribute” and indeed it was. Both of his parents are musicians, much like The Jackson’s parents. All I could think was, “My God! We’re onto something.” His dad makes parts for instruments and his mom plays in the ballet. I get him to go in depth about his musical beginnings.

    [quote]There was always pianos in my house. There was always music going on, so it’s difficult to say an actual date. I was always kind of making music,” he said. “Not making music, but at least, listening to music,” he corrected.[/quote]

    When it comes to his current sound and influence of his style, he says:

    [quote]I just wanted to do a project that was completely — making music based entirely on what I wanted to do. Not thinking about genre, or anything. Not thinking about anything, anybody else. Just making something that I would want to listen to myself.[/quote]

    He made a collection of 10 or 11 songs, he played it for his friend, and he asked, “What are you going to do with it?” because it just jumped around from genre to genre. “Like, how are you going to present it?”, he added. His response would have been considered foolhardy to most. When he was a kid, he used to make mix tapes for people on cassettes. “You would give it to a girl you would try to impress,” he explained. “And when someone gave one to you, it was so precious that you would play it until the ribbon breaks… And as soon as I said it, ‘I was like ‘Bang!’ That’s it. It was like a light switch. By him asking me that question, he gave me the name.”

    Well, whoever he is has to be happy that he did.

    Interview Highlights

    In the U.K., as a 14-year-old skateboarder, he disclosed that he listened to a lot of Hip-Hop music.

    [quote]I’d go home and my parents would be listening to film music or Paul Simon or Nina Simone, Elton John — Like classic songs. So, that mixture with Hip-Hop and proper songwriting over the top of it, that’s kind of where I’ve ended up, I think,” he said. “I hope.”[/quote]

    When asked if he has any challenges, he responded:

    [quote]Firstly, I would never complain about anything because I’ve managed to get to my age and make music for a living, so I’m blessed. So, there’s no problem but — the big but — I guess sometimes you suffer from like — you worry about your place, especially nowadays, I think there’s so much coming at you. There’s a million songs at least a day. Cause sometimes you can feel that you’re getting a bit lost. I guess you just have to have faith that if one person touched by what you do, then you’ve done okay. You can’t look at a bigger picture than that. I think if you look at a bigger picture than that, then you’re being unrealistic. If I get one message on Soundcloud or whatever that says ‘Your song really did something for me’ then it’s still doing okay.”[/quote]

    On the Inspiration for ‘2025’

    [quote]I think it’s just incredibly scary, sometimes now, when I’ll go on the tube [subway] tube, for anyone reading, is the British subway.[/quote]

    “I was thinking YouTube,” I admitted.

    [quote]You notice more and more that people are glued to their phones and I don’t discount myself from that. You find yourself sometimes with a laptop on your lap,” he laughs. “Sometimes, I’ll have a laptop, and an iPad and an iPhone and someone phones you and then you worry about your emails. The more and more that becomes people’s focus of attention, I think the more people will separate themselves from each other. The more technology you put in front of you before another person, the more the human relationships are further apart and I think that’s really scary. So, I think ‘2025’ was like an imagination of ‘What about in 10 years, 15 years, 20 years? If this continues in the rate we’re going at, it’s the end of connection. If we all disconnect that much, we’ll be completely lost,” he laughs and jokes, “It’s a really happy song basically.”[/quote]

    On ‘Pressure’

    Pressure sounds like it’s about a relationship but it’s actually about — there we some riots in London, and it’s about kind of falling out of love with the way that your government or your country deals with something like that. Without going too far into it, it was like the way the media manipulated people, and then, the way that the people reacted to the media and it was just a kind of similar to ‘2025’. A lot of the record is [telling you to] open your eyes [and question], ‘Is this really where we’re at?” If we keep heading this way, we’re fucked and it’s not in a preachy way. It’s not like I’m different. I’m in this boat too. Fuck, we’re heading nowhere very fast. That’s what a lot of the songs are about.

    He just released what he likes to call a “reimagination” for Lorde’s ‘Royals’. You can listen to it below. We’ve also added ‘Pressure’ and you can click here to listen to ‘2025’. You’ll love this song!

    For more Until The Ribbon Breaks, just click here.