Who’s Got Next: Alexis Nicole

Who’s Got Next: Alexis Nicole
By Squeaky Moore of XI Magazine Online
Posted on 07 Mar 2011 at 11:29am

Listening to music while enduring heartbreak can turn the soul every which way but loose. You can listen to Mary J Blige and gain enough strength to stay awayfrom the person who has emotionally abused you. You can listen to Jill Scott’s music, and she can make you reminisce on the good times to the extent that it drives you right back into the arms of the person you walked away from, no matter how good or bad they were to you. You can listen to Beyonce and premeditate a way to kick your partner out of your home, escort him out to make sure he does not ride away with anything you bought him, and arrange it just so that your old man sees your new guy coming to visit. The reason we connect to the stories within the music and are lead emotionally by the music, is because we share a similar hurt, pain, or joy. We share a similar experience. It is the reality of the experience the artist writes about that makes their music come alive in and through us- making their reality, our reality. When an artist creates from this stand point-that is, from their experiences, their music becomes an impression on the history of your mind. It becomes timeless.

This is exactly the approach Alexis Nicole says she took when she wrote her sophomore album, Loves Last Stand. “It involves a lot of heartache, [that] was the fuel for writing the album,” says Alexis Nicole. “When I write, I write from experience, so anything I have put pen to pad [to create], I lived it. I think that any music that your listeners or the consumer can relate to is timeless music. There are but so many subjects you can write about, but if you can find away to touch the listeners and fans in the way they feel like ‘oh this song is exactly what I’m going through right now,’ or ‘this is exactly how I felt when this happened to me,’ your music will be timeless, because it’s not about what’s trending right now.”



For Alexis Nicole, her second album is about the ups and downs of relationships and all that

comes with it. “So my creative process was just living life!” When I asked her to elaborate on how she came up with the title, she said, “The Cd in itself is about love, the ups the downs, the heartaches and heartbreaks, and the overall concept of being in love and falling in love.” She named it Loves Last Stand, because she felt that no matter what the decision is, when you love someone, you have to stand for something. “Either you’re going to take a stand and say, ‘even though I love you, I know we are not suppose to be together,’ or you take the stand, ‘I love you, and you are the last person on this earth that I want to be with.’ No matter what, you have to take a stand.”

Alexis Nicoles’ music on both her freshman, and sophomore album stem from her experiences, but what distinguishes her recent album from the first is its commercial appeal. “This album was a big step up from the last. The first album was acoustic, there really weren’t many elaborate tracks, and it used more piano and drums—just natural sounds. Whereas the second album takes on those sounds and adds a level of commercial approach, which is radio friendly.”

Though she wrote all the songs on both albums, she feels Loves Last Stand“is an album with something for everybody.” Native of Richmond, Virginia, (home of Chris Brown and Trey Songz), Alexis Nicole began singing at 3 years old in the church choir, and overtime, what began as a hobby became a pursuit. “It didn’t hit me until middle school, ‘I’m kind of good at this!’ And then, in high school is when I made up my mind that this is the career I wanted, instead of it being a hobby.” Though she started in Gospel, “it was a smooth transition into R & B,” says the soulful singer. “I started singing in the church choir, but I always had a love for soul music. I was always an Anita Baker, Gladys Knight, and Debra Cox fan when I was younger. I love God, but I don’t think that Gospel music is where I fit. When I initially branched off, I started doing Neo Soul Gospel and eventually I switched all the way.”

Eventually, Alexis Nicole made the move to Atlanta to pursue her dream, grow her music and to attain a stronger fan base. “Since I have been in Atlanta, my song writing has really picked up. I have been doing some collaborations and really big stuff down here that I probably wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do in Richmond. I asked her to describe the music market in Richmond, VA, to get a sense of why she chose to leave and why she chose Atlanta over other cities to pursue her dream.

“I don’t want to call Atlanta the land of opportunity, because you still have to work at whatever you are doing, but it is certainly a lot more open to fresh music, new artists, and there are many opportunities to perform, to go out and to mix and mingle here than there was in Richmond. The market in Richmond is weird. Like in Atlanta, the artists have a distinct sound, or perhaps, D.C., Baltimore area artists there have a distinct sound. Richmond is influenced by many different states. It’s not as southernly influenced, as it is northern. Still, there is not really a particular sound per se, so the market in Richmond is kind of weird because whatever filters through other markets is kind of how it is picked up in the city. They are starting to do a lot better, the local artists, in creating their own sound.”

Needless to say, Pop and R & B Stars Chris Brown and Trey Songz were stars that rose from the trenches of Richmond, VA. They have unique voices and commericially, trendy music. Because of their success, I wondered if they inspired Alexis Nicole’s creativity. “I respect both Chris and Treys’ music. We actually share acquaintances. I wouldn’t say they inspire me, because we are in different boxes musically.”

She says artist like Lauren Hill, who came in, and paved the way and changed the game, inspires her. “Lauren changed the game as far as ‘image’ is concerned. What it, [image], has to be and needs to be, and she’s even changed the game regarding what is considered radio music now. She definitely is my inspiration.” Alexis Nicole also says she’s inspired by people like Monica and Brandy, “those are the artists who inspire me. I wouldn’t say they, [Chris Brown and Trey Songz] are inspirations to me, but they are motivation. Knowing that we came from the same proximity and location and seeing the work they put in and where they are now, helps me to keep going and work hard, because I can see that success comes from that.”

Alexis Nicole is certainly no stranger to working hard. In fact, as an independent artist, every day is a grind. She says that her process as an independent artist is a feat. “It’s very tough. Because when you don’t have a label backing you, there are many things you have to do on your own and you’re stuck with having to get it done because you don’t have the label’s connections. So it’s a lot of groundwork. It is really hands on.” However, the upside of being an independent artist is “having complete creative control over my music and where it goes.”

Alexis Nicole does it all, even creating her own treatments for her videos. “It is helping me to develop a strong, business mind.” Taking advantage of social medias and social networks has been a win for her on her journey to fame as well. “I can post something and reach more people than I ever could on foot, so it has definitely helped with getting my music out. It can be a great tool if used properly. I just utilize them all when I’m doing a video or dropping a mix tape or a new song. It’s like instant feedback, so I’m definitely grateful for the Internet.”

After conversing with Alexis Nicole, I learn that she is a straightforward, no-nonsense, well thought out chick. She certainly knows what she wants out of life and is willing to pound the pavement to get it. I respect her grind and I strongly believe it will pay off soon.

Check her out for yourselves citiXIns and tell me what you think of the up and coming R & B Soul Sister! Click on the links to hear a few of her tracks. You can also follow Alexis Nicole on Twitter, check out her Youtube, Myspace and of course hit up her website.

Love’s A Game

Keep It In The Pocket

Who’s Got Next: J. Ivy

Who’s Got Next: J. IvyComments (0)

By Squeaky Moore of XI Magazine

http://www.ximagonline.com/whos-got-next-j-ivy/

Posted on 25 Oct 2010 at 11:56am

XI Magazine is all about What’s New. What’s Now. What’s NEXT! This week, What’s Next is our Who’s Got Next artist, J. Ivy. Poet and word-smith, he is all about telling the truth in his work and keeping it all positive and powerful. Not just a bland poet or cliche spoken word artist, J. Ivy is bridging the gap between hip-hop and poetry and doing a phenomenal job of it with his up-coming release “Here I Am.” Recently I sat with him and got an in-depth look at who J. Ivy is and what he’s all about!

XI: Who is J. Ivy?

A person born with a talent to speak lyrical prose and verse melodically. One who stands in a league of his own. Plain and simple, a poet from Chicago, born James Ivy Richardson III. A simple dude blessed with a great talent that is certainly being used.

XI: Compare and contrast your music to Rap music.

Hip hop was born out of poetry- The Last Poets [A group of poets and musicians] were the God father’s of hip hop. So they were the one’s doing poetry in parts of Harlem, back in the 60’s, over a drum rhythm. So for me, it was a matter of bridging the gap, and trying to remind people that this [what I do] is one of the same; though they are different, they are definitely related. Poetry has been here since the beginning of time, you know, God created the world with the Word. So for me it was always important to try and remind people of the strenght of Poetry. On the other hand, I’m a hip hop baby, that’s the style of music that I grew up on, the style of music I was always drawn too. So when it came time to put music with my work, naturally it was going to be hip-hop because that’s what I listen to on a daily basis.

XI: I want to talk about your new album, “Here I Am.” When is the release date?

October 26, 2010!

XI: The music, the rhymes and the lyrics, how did it all come together? What was the creative process like for you?

It was important to me to have a strong musical bed with this album. Also, the concepts of this album were important. I wanted to put something out there that could keep people motivated. Like with personal battles that people go through, with self-esteem issues and self- doubt; I wanted to use my music to continue to build hope and wake something up in people and try and help people remember who they are. To me, it’s just a matter of doing that and remembering who you are. We all have the ability and power to make whatever it is we want happen. Sometimes we tend to forget we have those abilities.

XI: For those that have followed your work as an artist, they’d know your poetry has evolved, and your artistry has transitioned over time. Through all the years of writing poetry and performing, what have been your transitioning points that have helped you to evolve as a poet.

The one thing I’ve always wanted was to grow and get better. From the first time I was ever on stage, [in high-school], I received a standing ovation. I wanted to find that feeling again. I started doing open mics, and hosting at Rituals, which was the biggest poetry spot in Chicago and [to me] in the nation at one time. Then, I did the first season of HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, which took things to the next level; being recognized in New York. I did a show in Jamaica [with Carl Thomas] and people were recognizing me from HBO. Then I did the recording with Kanye and Jay Z on “The College Dropout.” So it’s always been a contiuous process of one thing leading to the next. But the root of it has been me just striving to do better. Like when a year has passed, I definitely like to look back and say ‘okay, I am in a better place than I was a year ago.’ Even if it may not be on a mountain top and just shooting straight up, as long as I am gradually climbing and getting better, it pleases me because I know that I am going to continue to get better.

XI: Your music is different than other music that is being done today; it’s trendsetting. Have you thought about the notion that your music can possibly alter the history of music.

Yes. Like I’ve always, for whatever reason, felt like I was appointed to do different things…. Not only different, but the first to do things. Like being the first poet out of Chicago to be on Def Poetry Jam, or the first to be on a rapper’s album [Kanye West’ “Never Let Me Down”]. When it comes to the music, even though there has been other extraodinary talent to put poetry to music, I am taking things to the next level. While creating this album,“Here I Am”, that thought was on my mind every step of the way. I didn’t want to rush the moment or cheapen it [just] to have something out there. I think, ‘how do I make this the best moment and not be selfish.’ I know that this [the message] is bigger than me. It’s important to be that vessel, that instrument. It’s not about the ears that it touches in this generation but generations to come. It’s important that people hear and receive healing from it, that it saves lives, and it helps people make right decisions about life.

XI: How is your music relevant today?

It is a positive and a much needed message that’s not heard from many artists today. My music fills a void and is a reminder of who we are or who we should set out to be. It will make people try to better themselves and that is what I want listeners to take from my album.

XI: You’ve said that your influences are greats such poets as Maya Angelou, and Langston Hughes. As well as, The Last Poets and your peers that you’ve had opportunities to work and travel with like Triple Black, Malik Yusef, Brenda Matthews, Jessica Care Moore, Black Ice, Abyss and recently Thea Monyee. How do they impact you and your work?

When you see the best, it inspires you; helps to bring the best out of you. I didn’t come up around poetry…I wasn’t conscious of poetry until later on. Dr. Martin Luther King was my hugest influence because of how he spoke and the way he touched people. When I was in Highschool, I started doing poetry that other people wrote. I always wanted to perform like Martin Luther King.

XI: You have already performed with Jay-Z, Kanye and John Legend. Who, if anyone, would you absolutely love to do music with in the future?

It’s sad because the one person I really want to perform with, I will never have an opportunity to…Michael Jackson. But I would love to do something with Jill Scott, The Roots—I really appreciate their music.

XI: Some of your early hip hop influences that helped shape your musicality were Big Daddy Kane, Tribe Call Quest, NWA, Public Enemy, Eric B and Rakim, Run DMC, and Slick Rick. Who do you look at now for that same inspiration musically?

Well now its Outkast, Nas, The Roots and Common has always been my all time favorite. Not sure if it is because we are both from Chicago, or that we are both Pisces, [He chuckles], but I’ve always related to him, the way he put words together and the way he tells stories.

XI: What are some of your biggest moments thus far, aside from winning a Grammy for your participation with “Never Let Me Down” on The College Dropout album and your standing ovation on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam?

[Reminiscing on his mom coming to the first show he hosted at Rituals] My mom is super-critical. It was major to impress her. A big moment has also come with the early reactions that I have been getting from my album. They love it! The reactions have been great.

XI: What has been the process for you as an independent artist? Would you like to remain independent?

I feel like it’s going to be hard no matter what situation im in. If you’re with a label, you have a lot of cooks in your kitchen. As an independent artist, I have to maintain my kitchen. But it’s run the way I want it to run; it has my voice. I have to build a team and things have to stay moving. My budget makes things happen a little slower, but my reward will be bigger because I’m not locked in. I don’t have to answer to anybody. I would rather be on this side of the fence. Though, I would consider the right situation if it came along.

XI: Can you give advice to upcoming independent artists? Poets?

Constantly work at getting better and never stop! Don’t get thrown off by the no’s, you will get a thousand of them, but that one yes…
Stay true to yourself.

J. Ivy’s music is positive and has a much need message that he feels isn’t heard from many artists today. The words in his poetry reminds us of who we are and who we should set out to be, and are very spiritual. To stay connected with J. Ivy you can visit his website at www.j-ivy.com. Also, click here to listen to his title track on his album“Here I Am”.

The Forgiven-Starring Lawrence Saint-Victor-By Squeaky Moore of XI Magazine http://www.ximagonline.com

Many loyal fans may have wondered when they would see Lawrence Saint-Victor(Guiding Light’s, Remy) again. Recently, however, we learned that the good looking leading man from the day-time drama is keeping busy both on and off screen. Saint-Victor is not only capable of delivering great comedic and emotional scenes on television, but he is also adept at making films and can offer just as much behind the camera that he does in front of it.

In his eleven-minute short film that recently aired during BET’s Urbanworld Film Festival, Saint-Victor offers a malicious, engrossing and contemplative story about forgiveness and fearlessness.

In the opening scene of “The Forgiven”, a man is discovered bound and gagged and is beaten profusely by a couple of assassins. Moments later, Gabriel (Saint-Victor), also a hitman, is given the assignment to kill a young girl, played by Taylor McIntyre. She’s being held captive, awaiting her fate. It’s obvious that Gabriel has a strong fondness for the girl from the moment he seees her. Once she learns that it is her turn to be killed, she prays
for Gabriel and asks God to forgive him. Afterwards, telling him that if he is going to kill her, he has to do it while looking her in her eyes. Conflicted, Gabriel must make a decision to kill his victim or be killed!

The short was entirely engaging from start to finish. Along with co-director,Teisha Hickman, the duo pays great attention to detail and the theme of this fictive plot. Lawrence Saint-Victor astutely teams up with his wife, Shay Saint-Victor, Executive Producer and Co-Director, Tiesha Hickman and Executive Producer, Editor and Director of Photography, Jamon Lewis (The Works Films), to create a world in this 11 minute film that would take some a feature length of time to produce.

Saint-Victor gives a credible performance as a hitman, even with the many hats he wears as Writer, Editor and Director. The most astounding performance, however, was delivered from the 11-year old actress, Taylor McIntyre. McIntyre’s portrayal was honest and natural. She bore a truthfulness that compares to a young Dakota Fanning. I hope to see her in future films.

“The Forgiven” will also be featured in the Big Apple Film Festival during November 2nd- 6th @ Tribeca Cinema. So if you missed the premeire showing, you can still catch it there. In the meantime, check out the trailer below!

Article by Contributing Guest Squeaky Moore of XI Magazine

http://www.ximagonline.com/xi-in-focus-the-forgiven/

Tasha Smith Teaches During UWFF...By Squeaky Moore of XI Magazine http://www.ximagonline.com

When thinking of Tasha Smith, the first few thoughts that come to mind are around-the-way-girl, real, cut-throat, loud and tell-it-like-it-is! These are just a few attributes that come to me, solely based on the type of characters I have watched her play in movies like Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married” (1 and Too) and “Daddy’s Little Girls.” But personally, experiencing Tasha Smith during her workshop, has shed a whole new light on who this driven, passionate, spiritual and funny woman that I met at TSAW (Tasha Smith Actor’s Workshop) during the Urban World Film Festival2010 is.

We first learned of Tasha’s spirituality as she began the workshop with a prayer. She declared blessings and understanding over the class and prayed for our instruments (what we use to act/perform). She rebuked fear and prayed that our faith was released…then her tutelage officially began.

Tasha showed her humility by stating “I may not be the best actress in the world, but my passion for what I do and teaching you what I know about this technique is strong!” In Ms. Smith’s workshop she provided a no holds barred, multi-level instructional session for actors based on her mentor, Ivana Chubbuck’s technique, which can be found in her book The Power of the Actor.

Tasha’s passion for acting and her love for teaching indeed spews from her every word. What she teaches is simple – use what’s in yourself to build your character; apply your experiences and circumstances to your role and to each scene you’re in. The training she provided helped to strip away all of the layers of ’stuff’ - the pretentiousness, self-consciousness, the desire to push and/or mimic, etc. – so that you are finally left with something simple and pure…a human being having a sincere experience and living in a moment of truth.

Tasha led class along with her two Los Angeles instructors, Zenja Ricks andBrooklyn McLinn, who were equally as knowledgeable and passionate about the craft. Their combined expertise aided us in digging deep for the emotional preparation for our respective scenes. All I can say is that I was blown away and honored to be a part!

The most exciting part of the two day, intensive workshop was on the second day, towards the end of the class. Tasha reached into her purse and pulled out some bills, then she asked, “who in here is struggling and has no money?” After a few participants raised their hands, she explained that she likes to bless actors because she remembered what it was like when she was broke and could hardly pay her own bills. She also explained that she believed in planting seeds to reap a harvest and this was just another seed that she was ready to sew. The moment was so touching, so profound and so sincere that it started a phenomenon. One by one people who were a part of the workshop were going into their wallets to help other starving artists. It wasn’t about the money, it was a movement of passion and love. And in the end, the real lesson was not just about the craft of acting, but about being humble and planting the right seeds, so that your harvest is great!

For more information on TSAW, go to Tasha’s websiteand if you are an actor or want to pursue the craft, check out her listing of classes and also Ivana Chubbuck’s book,“The Power of the Actor.”

Article by Guest Contributor for XI Magazine-Squeaky Moore