Monday, November 02, 2009

Interview: Steph Jones

As posted on www.theblastbydigiwaxx.com



Digi-clusives: Weekly EXCLUSIVE (and no, not one of those phony exclusives where everyone is reposting the same thing) interview features with movers and shakers within the Music Industry; Artists, Producers, Label Reps, DJs - hell maybe even Video Chicks :-).....

This Week's Exclusive: R & B singer and model, Steph Jones, once signed to Ludacris’ label, DTP, affectionately known as “Mr. Ordinary”, the title of his hit single and clothing line, who is now adding actor to his list of accomplishments.

Digiwaxx Media: Heyyy, Steph Jones Music!!

Steph Jones: (laughing). Did you see my picture? I have the internet going wild! (speaking on him dressing as a woman for Halloween – concreteloop.com, mediatake.com, xemvanadams.com)

D.W.: (laughing). Yes, you are a fool!

S.J.: It’s what I wanted anyway, to get people talking.

D.W.: Okay, well let’s jump right in then – first question, do you have an album coming out? (laughing). Was it a publicity stunt? (joking).

S.J.: The costume was a last minute decision and I was trying to think of a way to top last year. I’m secure with my manhood and thought it would be fun.

D.W.: I personally felt it was very funny. You reminded me of B Scott, actually (laughing).

S.J.: I had fun and again, people are talking; I win!

D.W.: Recently you dropped a mix-tape, Gravity, is this project one leading up to you breaking news of being signed or what?

S.J.: Honestly, the way the music scene is going right now and the way I am able to move without answering to anyone and still do even more than those with budgets; I’m comfortable. I landed a role in my first film and just finished filming it; “Feel”. People are gravitating to the movement and like my music. I’m getting the most I can out of all of this.

D.W.: Nice! So what else do you have going on?

S.J.: Well, I’m getting ready for my mix-tape release party tonight in LA. I have one in Houston on November 10th and also one in Atlanta on November 14th. I’m starting my movie career and also in the process of getting management. Everything that I’ve done thus far has been done by me and I am now putting together a team to assist me.

D.W.: It’s safe to say that since everything is done by yourself then your mix-tape was only released on twitter?

S.J.: I sent it to a few bloggers who posted it on their site before I leaked it on twitter and it kind of went from there. I’m glad people have some substance that they can share with their grandkids and so on.


D.W.: Can you talk about the movie you have just wrapped up?

S.J.: Not too much but I can talk about my role. The film is cast with an artist on Hollywood Records, Marie’ Digby, as the lead in the movie. It’s a love story and it all intertwines with her album and more. I’m the DJ and love interest of Marie’s role. It’s a lot of back and forth with really cool elements. The director, Brett Leonard (“Lawmower Man”, “Hideaway”) walked up to me and said, “You have a lot of talent and I want to work with you”; it’s been an amazing experience.

D.W.: I recently saw your new comp card for modeling, is this something you are pursuing again or more of?

S.J.: The comp card picture was for a celebrity wall and they just used my new pictures. I’m active in modeling, doing it via direct bookings as apposed to auditions. 2010 I am apart of a Reebok campaign that will be something like my Live Mechanics campaign. Them advertising me as an artist and including information about me; I’m doing jobs that make sense.

D.W.: Digiwaxx Media has over 32,000 DJ's in our database, picking one record off of your mix-tape, which song would you love on their serato?

S.J.:Galactic 2” featuring Auto Push. I was kind of nervous about this track because I’m not singing as much, almost talking most of it and featuring them but the record came to my soul when I was in the booth and a lot of people play the record. Last weekend they played Drake at the club I was at and then played “Galactic 2” and the people loved it. They asked the DJ what song it was – it revived the club.

D.W.: Well, I appreciate you taking the time to talk to me. I know you have to get ready for your party. Any last parting words for the readers?

S.J.: Continue to download and support the mix-tape. I have an animation cartoon in talks right now, “Mr. Ordinary” with a company overseas. IT’S ABOUT TIME! It’s at a time that I’m coming and people are starting to see whats true and not true in the music industry. Artists have to have more than a song, a one hit, they have to have a brand. Other bloggers who never showed me any attention have noticed my progression. It’s okay to be your own ‘Ordinary’ – carbon copies come out to light. You’ll see!

Follow Steph on twitter - www.twitter.com/stephjonesmusic. Listen to Steph’s “Lifetape” via Datpiff.com, if you love it (which you will) download it! Check him out on MySpace and visit his website, www.stephjonesgalaxy.com.

Fun Steph Jones Memory – check him out as the leading man in Destiny Child’s “Jumpin, Jumpin” video :)

Sunday, November 01, 2009

Interview: Raheem Devaughn

As posted on www.theblastbydigiwaxx.com - Interview conducted by ME! :)

Digi-clusives: Weekly EXCLUSIVE (and no, not one of those phony exclusives where everyone is reposting the same thing) interview features with movers and shakers within the Music Industry; Artists, Producers, Label Reps, DJs - hell maybe even Video Chicks :-).....

This Week's Exlusive: R & B, Neo Soul Singer, Raheem DeVaughn
Last week, Raheem (@radiorah) dropped a twitter exclusive - the video for his new single, "Bullet Proof" featuring Ludacris (@ludajuice)


Digiwaxx Media: Has social networking sites such as twitter, ustream and facebook allowed Artist's to have more input in marketing projects in areas that labels may overlook?

Raheem DeVaughn: Definitely! The direct connection with fans and music lovers is unbelievable. You learn how egar they are and how much they anticipate your project more hands on.

D.W.: Do you feel such sites can cause harm to an Artist's image or how fans view them?

R.D.: It's all about how you present yourself as an Artist - you have to disclose certain information, not all.

D.W.: What do you love most about these sites?

R.D.: It gives me control of my fan base and the more people that find out what you have going on, mess with it. Some fans with no PC's may feel its an extreme but its helpful. Lets take Soulja Boy for example. He wouldn't be who he is without social networking sites. They allowed him to blow himself up from his bedroom with a PC. It gives us direct connection with the fans as much as possible.

D.W.: Do you feel more Artist's should take advantage of the opportunity to socialize with fans?

R.D.: DEFINITELY! I have been telling people for years to jump on. Some join and others just can't get into it.

D.W.: Recently you dropped a mix-tape to hold fans over until your next album release. How has the response been?

R.D.: The new mix-tape, Art of Noise, is free and people have been downloading it. The response has been good. I did it different this time and didn't press it up. It'll be a collectors edition eventually, something I'll add with my album or something.

D.W.: Digiwaxx Media has over 32,000 DJ's in our database, picking one record off of your mix-tape, which song would you love on their serato?

R.D.: Oh Man, thats a tough one! Picking one song, I'd have to say the "Talk Shit" record. It's a feel good, club record. (download record HERE ft Phil Ade)

D.W.: Let's talk about 368 Music Group, your label and new website (www.368musicgroup.com) - you have an Artist you are pushing, who is he?

R.D.: Phil Ade, from the DMV - Maryland. He reminds me of myself when I first came out. I didn't have the opportunity he has had since I stumbled upon him; 21-year-old artist. The biggest thing is Artist's don't know is the formula. Jam Master Jay came across 50 cent and he knew he was dope and showed him some structure. It's the same thing with, Phil. He is very dope and just recently dropped his first mix-tape/LP/EP free online. The first single is, "Hollywood". We plan to have a big video launch using footage in the yard of homecoming. It hasn't even been six months and we've been making noise with him.

D.W.: February 2010, your new album, "Love and War Masterpiece" drops. Is "Bullet Proof" the first single?

R.D.: "Bullet Proof" is the first single, ads are already running on radio. This will be a double CD. It's been a work in progress. I'd have to say it's my best CD thus far.

D.W.: Well we all anticipate the new album and other projects you are apart of. Any last information you want to drop to the readers?

R.D.: Follow me on twitter - www.twitter.com/radiorah. Call my Say Now - 202.609.8688. Check out my ustream - www.ustream.tv/channel/im-a-icon . And DEF, if you love hip-hop, check out, Phil Ade!

Raheem DeVaughn featuring Ludacris - "Bullet Proof"