Introducing a spot on my blog dedicated to the movers and shakers out there. Future Moguls.

Think of this as the HALL OF FAME

April 2010 - Jay Beretta is READY!

What do you think when you hear the name Jay Beretta? Aside from the initial artillery connotation, the only thing that comes to my mind is “fluent talent”. Who got next? This young man certainly does. At only 18 years old, this Detroit native has already made a name for himself; comparable to the likes of Joe Budden, Drake and Wale. I had a chance to pick his brain in this short, but super fetch interview. Check it out!

State your name gangsta.

Jay Beretta Jay Beez!

Where are you from?

I’m straight out of Detroit, MI!

Describe your sound as if we were deaf.

I’m a mixture of authentic passion, pain, and triumph. Just tremendous feeling in my music & versatility.

What is distinctive about your sound?

It’s honestly me, 100%… Whatever I’m portraying in that song YOU can hear, YOU can feel, YOU can react to it & with it. What’s distinctive about my sound is you can relate & be whatever that song is about.

What producers, songwriters and/or artists do you see as your primary inspirations?

As far as older veterans, there are too many to name. But up and coming artists, definitely P.L., Big Sean, Young Scolla, Drake, J.Cole, Wale, Wiz Khalifa, Nippsey Hussle… As for Producers Wrightrax, The Olympiks, Bei Maejor, Justice League, The Inkredibles. These artists and producers inspire me and help to let me know that I can do this.

Do you have a favorite musical project that you’ve worked on?

Working with my home girl Tynisha Keli on her album that will be releasing in Japan. Being my first time working on a commercial release and my debut as an artist and a writer, it was an experience I will never forget. Plus her album is going to be BANANAS!

What was the main factor for launching your career when you did?

Opportunity primarily… I’ve been grinding since I was 12 years old, in and out of studios trying to perfect this music… Although I’m far from perfected now, I’m working diligently towards it.

Who are some people you would like to work with?

Right now, my main goal is working with every rapper I named as inspiration lol I need tracks with these guys.

What do you advise for upcoming musician’s?

Just stay dedicated, stay hungry, stay motivated and determined. It won’t happen overnight by any means, and there definitely will be the people that tell you that you aren’t good enough or you can’t do it. But if it’s really what you want, you’ve got to chase it tirelessly!

One fun fact about you.

My first rap name was Lil’ JJ lol. I changed it when the comedian came out.

Lastly, could you talk about any long-term goals you have in mind?

I want to be able to do this music for life. As my career and my everything! WriteTime Music Group for life baby!

March 2010 – Watch RocStea’D ROCK!

What do you get when you mix Rock N’ Roll with Hip Hop and R&B? RocStea’D. Harder question, what do you get when you mix supreme vocal talents with a stellar MC capacity? RocStea’D. With riffs that rival some of the most recent summer anthems, to lyrics that evoke even some of the most complicated emotions, you’ll find yourself regretting you’ve not heard them sooner! I had the opportunity to toggle these ladies (Brittney and Jessica) brains in the form of an interview. Check them out!

What’s the name of your band? What’s the origin of that name? Have you changed the band’s name before?

Brit: The name of the group is RocStea’D (rocksteady ) its comprised of a vocalist, Jessica and lyricist, Brittany. A rock symbolizes strength, able to hold anything down, and steady meaning consistent. All of the things we want to contribute to the industry and give to those who support us, with our music, our shows and most importantly how hard we work. Other names? Ummm next question! Lol

Describe your sound as if we were deaf.

Brit: Wow! That’s the 1st time we’ve ever been asked that! Hmmm…you know how you felt 1st waking up Christmas Day when you were little (maybe even still now)? That exciting rush of “jump up and down” feeling? Or when you see a great movie that you just felt like you are the character in it…like they wrote it just for you. That is our music; fun, feel good and dynamic sound that anyone can relate to.

What producers, songwriters and/or artists do you see as your primary inspirations?

Jess: As far as artist, my biggest inspiration is of course Michael Jackson! He was the definition of success. Michael connected very well with his fans and stayed true to the art! I feel motivated after everytime I watch him!

Brit: I can never answer this question without speaking of my angel, my big brother who passed away 6 years ago. He was an artist as well, and every door that opened for him, he pulled me through it too. Even if I was kicking and screaming lol. He taught me every thing I know about music. He was my introduction and will always be my biggest inspiration.

What is more fun, hours in the studio or live performances?

Brit: We love it all! Could never pick 1. The studio is the place where it all comes 2gether. No expectations, freedom to just be creative even if it doesn’t come out exactly what you expected, it’s a release. But then there’s the stage…any1 who has had opportunity to see 1 of our shows, knows we loooooove to perform. Its the best feeling in the world. Its where the music comes to life, you can feel the crowds energy and see them visually appreciate and feel your music. It’s the best. And we rock out too, defying gravity and all that lol.

Could you briefly describe the music-making process?

Jess: We really dont have a specific process, alot of our best songs came from us being at the studio when we weren’t supposed to! lol Either I or britt would hear a track that someone just so happen to be playing and secretly we would write to it! The hours we spend at the studio are unheard of! We usually do not get out of the studio until 6 or 7am in the morning!

Do you have a favorite musical project that you’ve worked on?

Jess: I believe I can speak for the both of us; Every single musical project that we have worked on is a learning experience and that is what makes every one of them special! You leave out the studio learning more about yourself and music!  The making of “Take over The World” was interesting lol, I think Britt was standing on a chair reciting her rap!

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?

We do! As far as topics you know that’s 1 of the things I appreciate most about RocStead, a main theme doesn’t really exist. With it being a rapper in the group we have club, urban  centered records but its also a different side, because there’s a singer in the group, so we have melodic, emotional records about boys, growing up, and just life period. Its something that will always be, and always set us apart.

What was the main factor for launching your career when you did?

The crazy thing is, neither one of us ever wanted to be musicians. We both just kinda fell into it. And when we started, it just felt like nothing else. That’s how we knew it was exactly what we were supposed to do.

Who are some people you would like to work with?

Jess: Anybody! Collabs are one of the healthiest things an artist could do! You can learn soo much from another artist!

How would you define success?

Success is leaving a legacy that lives on when you’re gone. And inspiring & making a way for others to be great.

Any last words?

With God ALL things are possible. We love ya’ll, love us back!

Don’t forget to check out the new single from RocStea’D “Bump”, available NOW on iTunes!

Feb 2010 - Introducing Tiffany Eugenio

I had a chance to sit down (not literally, so thank God for technology) with a Miss Tiffany Eugenio to discuss her musical gifts, inspirations and advice for other’s interested in the music biz. Take a gander at the short interview that is both personable and informative.

Describe your sound as if we were deaf.

What? Really?! That’s really hard…
Well, I’d probably make some strange reference to chocolate and velvet – I have a tone that’s kind of smooth, rich, and sorta dark… but assuming you couldn’t hear me make my description anyway, I’d probably do a dance for you… [flails her arms] hip hop ballet anyone?

What is distinctive about your sound?

The way I hear myself, and the way others hear me, is totally different. I’m so accustomed to the sound of my own voice, and my own tastes, that I’m not really sure what exactly others are hearing. People tell me though that I ride a very fine line between a classical sound and a hiphop/R&B-ish sound. If there was any possible way for those two genres to exist together in harmony without overpowering each other, that would be my niche. But then again, at the same time I also play the guitar, so sometimes there are some elements of rock and folk depending on the song that I’m singing. I’m neither one of those genres specifically, but I guess I’m a little of each.

What producers, songwriters and/or artists do you see as your primary inspirations?

I hate dropping names! I always seem to forget someone important. Anything I hear is pretty much an inspiration. I listen to a lot of current stuff, but my more deep rooted inspirations are the classic songs that I’ve lived with for most of my life, for example, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Billie Holiday, The Beatles, Elvis, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Van Morrison, *drops a hundred more*… I would also say a lot of my inspirations come from real life experiences as well.

Do you have a favorite musical project that you’ve worked on?

When I was a kid, I used to be in a lot of theatre productions. Of course, my style did grow away from broadway musicals, but there’s a lot about it that I truly missed. Daily late night rehearsals with friends and the cast, months and months of practice and getting to know each other, and then the impending thrill of a two hour live performance in front of thousands. There was tons of work, tons of accomplishments. I remember I would cry at the end cause I didn’t want the show to be over. I know it wouldn’t be in my best interest to go back to broadway theatre, but I suppose being in a movie production would be sort of similar. I’ve always thought whether I should try acting…

What was the main factor for launching your career when you did?

I must be missing something! Have I been launched? [laughs] I don’t think my career has even really started yet. I’m still in the process of making my EP, still conferencing with people in the biz in hopes of getting signed, but I guess there are a lot of people who get a different impression with YouTube and all. It has done wonders for my fanbase. I only have 13 videos out so it’s insane to even think that that translated into millions of views… I was like ‘Whoa, wait. What? Mom. Dad. You REALLY have to stop watching my videos…’

Who are some people you would like to work with?

Lady Gaga. Hands down. She is a beast in every way. She has this fearlessness that I absolutely admire. I really enjoy watching her live performances. I’d also love to duet with John Mayer sometime, and maybe hook up with Timbaland for a sick track. The stuff he’s done with Justin Timberlake, One Republic, Nelly.. they’re all great hits.

What do you advise for upcoming musician’s?

Make YouTube videos? Ha! Well! I’m still an upcoming musician myself so I can’t claim to know everything. I can say though, that if you are a musician trying to make it, whatever it is you go through, don’t take anything to heart, besides the music itself. For every door of opportunity, there are ten thousand people who want in and you’d be very surprised how little talent has to do with being successful. If money and fame is what you love, you’re going to get your heart broken. If music is what you love, it will always be there. All you have to do is sing.

Lastly, could you talk about any long-term goals you have in mind?

I have a few ideas of where I want to be. All of those include singing in some way or another. If everything works out, I would love to own my own label someday. But really, I try not to get too ahead of myself, otherwise things seem nearly impossible and overwhelming. There’s so much I want to do, but I will always be singing, recording, performing, and of course… making YouTube videos.

There you have it!  A brief, yet informative sit down with the one and only Tiffany Eugenio. Such a breath of fresh air right? Well check this out:

Fetch. Check her out at www.myspace.com/tiffyiffyiffy or tiffyiffyiffy@gmail.com