Kickacts interviews Axel Jordan!
Recently James Lowe from Kickacts Magazine sat down with one of the very exciting artists on the scene.
Welcome to Kick Acts. Tell us a little about yourself and where you can be found at on the web.
Hello Kick Acts! My name is AxelJordan. Musician born, raised and currently living in NYC … Land of Creativity! You can find me online via my website, www.AxelJordan.com My website is a directional page so be sure to take a look at my social media icons; Facebook, instagram, youtube etc.
Who are your musical heroes, influences & why?
Growing up in Brooklyn NY, I would say the music mostly heard around me was Hip Hop & R&B. I can definitely say that not only influenced my music but also my outlook on life in music. There’s a certain amount of honesty in Hip Hip and R&B. You say what you’re feeling. Whether it’s love or pain or anger, the music translates those emotions. I have a lot of respect for that and the artist who do it well. Mix that with Pop culture and you have AxelJordan!
Do you have any advice for someone just getting started in playing music? Any pitfalls they should avoid?
My best advice to give is the advice I still currently live by … Continue doing what you’re doing. Not everyone is going to understand it. Not everyone is going to respect it. And you might feel alone a lot of the time. But in that silence and solitude, you begin to really find yourself; you begin to understand your creativity and the role it plays in the world. So keep going and keep striving.
Do you have a greatest gig story you’d like to share?
Man I have a bunch of pretty awesome stories. HA! For a while, I would bring my guitar to pretty much every underground spot in NYC to play my music. Didn’t matter the venue, crowd .. as long as it had a mic and a stool. I’m talking, I went to Hip Hop music venues, Soul & Gospel venues, Rock & Roll bars. I knew I didn’t really fit in and was often asked if I was sure I knew where I was. But I’d stay and wait for my name to be called. When it was I’d grab my guitar and head to the mic to sing. Sometimes you could hear the confusion in the crowd. Sometimes you could hear the annoyance from the crowd. But I wanted to sing and I wanted them to hear it. So I’d sing it would never take long before they gave in and started to enjoy it. I was living out my passion and creativity and for the most part other creative minds understand that and can find the joy in it.
On the same token as the above question. How about a “worse gig” ever story.
Nah, I don’t have “worst gig” stories. I mean of course, it’s a gig presentation of creativity and it doesn’t always come out the way you’d like but it’s all just to get better from. So no worst gig stories for me.
Do you have any other hobbies other than playing music? Collect stamps? Collect hats from off the side of the road? Draw pictures of boobs?
Creatively speaking, once you open up the doors of your creativity, it all comes pouring out. So I spend most of time learning about that. I make clothes, I paint. I dance. I do love to learn so I’m always open to new knowledge. And I love to have fun too. I like bowling and watching comedy. Anything funny has my immediate attention.
What do you think about the present music scene or lack of? Care to address that?
I don’t get to caught up in those arguments. The music is the music.
It’s hard enough for musicians and artist to truly express themselves and get noted for it. Why spend time trying to break that down because it might not be something we personally understand? Instead, I choose to appreciate the music and even the commentators. The judgements are equally as important as the praise. If understood and appreciated, they both lead you in path with the best you.
Hypothetical situation. You’re stranded on Gilligan’s island and you get to hook up with only one of the girls… Is it Ginger, Mary Ann or Mrs. Howell and why?
Why choose just one??? What about all three??? Mary Ann is a cutie though … something about those pigtails …
Our last question is called “Shout It Out Loud”. It’s were you get to talk about whatever you want to talk about. So go ahead and “SHOUT IT OUT LOUD”!
This past month I got the chance to release my first music video for my debut single “Release You”. Working on, shooting and releasing the video was such a great step for me in my career thus far. I’ve been singing and working on music since I was a kid and to see my music & my vision come to life in that video was really pretty awesome. I am truly blessed and grateful for that. If you haven’t done so, check it out on my website, www.AxelJordan.com
Looking forward to making more and the release of my album in the Spring 2014.
Till then,
Keep Loving & Keep Shining!
Categories: General Tags: Axel Jordan, Brain Fuse Records, dance, hip hop, instagram, music, New York City, pop, r&b, soundcloud, twitter, youtube
KickActs interviews Maurice Carmon “Mlyrics”
Recently James Lowe from Kickacts Magazine sat down with one of the very exciting artists on the scene. The following is a written interview we conducted with the artist while they were working on their next CD and Tour. First off
I want to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to talk to us here today, as i know our readers have been requesting us get you in here some how some way. You folks have been described by your fans as internet
sensations in this interview we will attempt to figure out how this artist became such a great performer and what they have going forward.
Welcome to Kick Acts. Tell us a little about yourself and your band and were you can be found at on the web. I am a solo R&B/Soul act. Born and raised out of Washington D.C. let’s just say as a writer as well my music include stories of love to just real life situations. My music can be found at sites such as soundcloud, reverbnation, myspace, basically all the social sites as well I had an official release in Oct 2013.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Mlyrics Myspace: https://myspace.com/mlyrics Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/mauricecarmonmlyrics SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/mlyrics
Who are your musical heroes, influences & why? Now, if I was to name everyone you guys would not have enough room to publish anyone else’s story (I am just joking). Some of my influences are Joe, Charlie Wilson, Sam Cook, and sum it up all of the real soul and R&B singers.
Do you have any advice for someone just getting started in playing music? Any pitfalls they should avoid? This is no secret but for those who do not know or may not understand why their music career may be at a standstill, every artist must have or make great connections which are just a part of what it takes to make it these days. Second you need a budget because as they say you get what you pay for and I am speaking in regards to their promotion, marketing, and branding. Third have some not good music but top notch music. It has to be top notch because everyone these days is an artist and many of them are actually coming up with some good music. Last, keep the mess at home. The industry is a business.
Do you have a greatest gig story you’d like to share? Not really, any and every time I perform, I love it.
On the same token as the above question. How about a “worse gig” ever story. Not really as I stated earlier I just love to perform so there is no “worse gig”, now someone else may think it was bad, lol but I just love to perform.
Do you have any other hobbies other than playing music? Collect stamps? Collect hats from off the side of the road? Draw pictures of boobs? No stamps collecting, or hats and unfortunately I have never been a good drawer so boob drawing is totally out (this was a funny one) but I am a writer. Writing is my love and ultimately first love. I have written all of my material as well I have written and worked with other artist from Snoop to Jon B and the ones in between were nothing short of amazing as well like Charlie Wilson, K-CI, Samantha Jade, MidWest City, Day 26 and many others.
What do you think about the present music scene or lack of? Care to address that? Oh boy, you’re trying to have some people upset at me huh? Just messing, well today I believe that the music scene is a little everywhere. It’s not where it was when the real and good talent determined the scene but it’s popularity that determines it now. I mean there are some artist that lucked up and had the right financial backing and connection so they got in then on the other hand there is some of the most amazing artist out there that the majority of people have and will never hear their music.
Tell us something about each of your band members that we wouldn’t expect to hear… Like their hobbies or something like that…I am a solo act, but there is something that may surprise people which is I am actually a studying Jehovah’s Witness. Yes, there are others in the music industry beside George Benson and “The Symbol” Prince J
Hypothetical situation. You’re stranded on Gilligan’s island and you get to hook up with only one of the girls… Is it Ginger, Mary Ann or Mrs. Howell and why? Lol, man you guys are definitely keeping me on my toes, lol uh to be honest probably none. I say none, because sometimes and in some situations it is just best to be alone and this may be the situation. Plus I do not believe in simply hooking up there is just too much out there that I do not care to experience (if you know what I mean), lol
Our last one is called “Shout It Out Loud”. It’s were you get to talk about whatever you want to talk about. So go ahead and “SHOUT IT OUT LOUD”! As a real music lover, I wish and cannot wait for the days where the downloading and free streaming is over. People have to realize that this is how musicians and artist make a living. It is just unfair that labels and artist spend so much of their personal time, money, and talents and not be compensated yet people want others to support and buy their material. I also hope that these new artist wake up and understand that this is not an industry to where talent will simply be enough. And that they should not expect anyone to invest money or time into them when they are not willing to do it into themselves. I know this has nothing to do with music but people just really need to start treating each other as they want to be treated. All the bullying, robberies, killings, etc…Is just destroying us as a people. It’s sad when hear someone got snatched into a car in broad daylight in front of a bank. Last, there are a number of people in the world that can personally have enough financially that they can individually get the U.S. out of this “debt” it’s in. What this simply means is that these certain individuals have enough money that they or their great, great, great grandkids will never be able to spend in their lifetime. I just pray that maybe one day they decide to actually help oppose to given large sums of funds to companies that are “suppose” to help but never do. It’s time for that to change because they can make a difference.
Categories: General Tags: artist, facebook, interview, jiggy jaguar, kick acts, mlyrics, performer, r&b, reverbnation, soul, soundcloud
James interviews Tamara Bubble!
Recently James Lowe from Kickacts Magazine sat down with one of the very exciting artists on the scene.
Welcome to Kick Acts. Tell us a little about yourself and your band and were you can be found at on the web.
Thanx for the warm welcome babes! I’m Tamara Bubble. I’m from Brooklyn, New York (Fort Greene to be exact). I’m and entertainer, actress, songwriter and model. I write and perform Jazz, Pop, Hip Hop, R&B and Soul. My official website it http://TamaraBubble.com and that’s where you should start.
Who are your musical heroes, influences & why?
I have sooo many influences, mostly old school though. I listen to so many different genres of music. Michael Jackson is the ultimate performer and POP KING! When it comes to Jazz, I love me some Ella Fitzgerald and Lena Horne. I’m a rapper too and Biggie does it for me lyrically. He’s the reason I take the lyrics so serious. He’s just a dope storyteller. I love all those 90s R&B and Gospel groups. I love beautiful harmonies … SWV, Brownstone, Boyz II Men, Take 6, etc. As far as powerful women that sing and rap, Lauryn Hill and Queen Latifah.
Do you have any advice for someone just getting started in playing music? Any pitfalls they should avoid?
There’s no way to avoid the pitfalls. I’d love to be positive and lie and say it’s all peaches and cream lol but the truth of the matter is that if you’re just getting started be prepared to waste and music and find people who are not as hard working as you. Don’t let it slow you down, just don’t be surprised when you see it first hand. The scams, the lies, it’s really like a soap opera lol
Do you have a greatest gig story you’d like to share?
I did a show in Miami. The crowd was amazing. I always take their reactions home with me especially when it’s a new crowd. I look dead in their eyes and see pure enjoyment while hearing the songs for the first time. That is an amazing feeling.
On the same token as the above question. How about a “worse gig” ever story.
Well I don’t know if this qualifies because the gig was great, but the trip there was the worst. My first show on the “Unleashed” promo tour was a doozy. Well, getting there anyway. I over packed because well I’m a girl and tend to bring everything I own for a one day trip. Ended up having to dump everything to make room for the merchandise I was selling at the show (posters, t-shirts, CDs) and then had nerve to miss my flight GRRR! Ahem … I won’t name names LOL. Next, I got hustled by the flight agent and paid extra for this unguaranteed standby flight and also had issues renting the pre-reserved, NONREFUNDABLE, rental car!! Unfortunately I don’t walk around with copies of utility bills in my back pocket GRRRR!! Now, over 4 hours late (and been growling all day), I no longer have time to stop by the hotel, check in, shower and change. AIRPORT bathroom is the new Marriott! Then, this freaking taxi guy (not knowing that we’re already 4 hours late), takes the scenic route from the airport (plays the GPS game) to run up the meter GRRRRRR! When I get there though, my attitude changed and all things were Bubbly! People waiting to see the “Bubble On Deck” was such an amazing feeling! Atlanta showed so much love ^_^.
https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/rap-2-this/id545904490?i=545904491
The moral of that story is don’t miss your flight lol no I just learned that no matter what’s going on in your day, when you have a show, your job as an artist is to entertain!
Do you have any other hobbies other than playing music? Collect stamps? Collect hats from off the side of the road? Draw pictures of boobs?
I like to entertain in general. Acting and dancing are at the top of the list. I’m no comedian but I do make people laugh a lot. It’s healthy. I love games, board games, card games, rollercoasters, I even make up games lol
What do you think about the present music scene or lack of? Care to address that?
The current music scene is a bit super saturated. Everybody’s an artist. There’s hardly any fans of the art. It’s fine if that’s really your passion, otherwise you’re just creating a bunch of meaningless crap that listeners have to sort through to find me lol thanx a lot.
Tell us something about each of your band members that we wouldn’t expect to hear… Like their hobbies or something like that…
I’m addicted to chicken, ice and old school video games.
Hypothetical situation. You’re stranded on Gilligan’s island and you get to hook up with only one of the girls… Is it Ginger, Mary Ann or Mrs. Howell and why?
Um do they have any brothers because I don’t do girls lol
Our last question is called “Shout It Out Loud”. It’s were you get to talk about whatever you want to talk about. So go ahead and “SHOUT IT OUT LOUD”!
I want to give a special shout to my manager Patrick at Pspell Management, my label Blue Pie Productions/ DJ Central / Sony and my fans for making it all worthwhile. Stick with me and stay tuned.
Categories: General Tags: Blue Pie Productions, DJ Central, facebook, itunes, jiggy jaquar, kickacts, r&b, Sony, tamara bubble