Behind The Facade: Unleash The Cameras...

 SteveWhiteFilms is a growing business. Created by Steve White himself, he has quite a few adoring fans of his work. As a photographer and videographer, his hands are quite full. His highly respectable work keep the people coming back. There is nothing but the highest of quality when it comes to his many challenging projects. Channeling positivity and resilience, he has and will become more and more successful.

 

 

 

How did you create Steve White Films?

SW: SteveWhiteFilms was made out of pure anger due to the fact that local photographers and videographers were charging rediculous prices for their work. I used to be a rapper and music producer and I would try to reach out for video pricing and photo shoot prices and I received these ridiculous quotes from people who were in the same financial situation I was in but decided since they had tools I didn't they could charge a lot. [Meanwhile,]not knowing that I possessed talents they didn't have and I could do it myself, but my first instinct was to support them and save myself time. So SteveWhiteFilms started out of pure anger .

What made you interested in the field of photography and videography?

SW: I have always done photography and videography since a child. My grandfather is mostly to blame. He always had to buy the latest cameras and camcorders. He filmed every single family event and made us watch, whether we wanted to or not. It did bring the family joy to go back in time at any moment and watch old footage of moments such as first steps, first days of school and weddings. When I was 10, I begged for a camcorder. They didn't get me a nexpensive one but I did receive a black and white toy camcorder that did work; the only catch was that it had to be connected to a VCR at all times to record to a tape. So I had my mom's VCR plugged in the kitchen hanging out the back door, connected to this plastic camcorder out back recording backyard wrestling matches. Lol that really takes me back. SteveWhiteFilms videos were born in the backyards of the Berryland Projects in Milwaukee. Lol, fun times.

What do you feel is the best and effectively way to promote your work?

SW: The best way for me to promote is word of mouth. I do not limit myself to one particular category of art and I do not discriminate or turn down clients. I work with everyone no matter race, weight, or sexual preference. I also do not let personal issues, beefs, or past confrontations interfere with my decisions to provide service. If my ex cheated on me with you, I will still provide you the best service possible. This helps people relate to me better, therefore, they are more willing to spread the word. So Facebook, Instagram and word of mouth.

How did you develop the talent of capturing that perfect attention to detail in a photograph?

SW: My work ethic allowed me to get better with capturing the perfect detail. I don't sleep at all and I will stay up for hours making sure a picture or video is perfect. I build good relationships with clients and after 1 or 2 shoots I know exactly what they look for in their edits. So I focus on specifics catered to clients likes, such as stretch mark removal or making sure I capture someone from their good side only or if an artist doesn't like their hair line on that day I can cut their hair in photoshop or paint a girls finger nail if she had chips in them.

If someone were to ask, "How do I become a photographer/videographer," what advice would you give?

SW: I get that question a lot. When I used to ask that question, no one was willing to help. But I tell them to: buy a camera, do free shoots, and research, research, research on YouTube. I did not go to school for this, I had to learn the majority of software related issues on YouTube. I also learned which equipment to purchase from reading online articles and watching "How To:" videos and behind the scenes music videos.

How does your work stand out above others?  What makes you so much more different than the next person?

SW: My work stands out because it is definitely not by the book. I approach shoots as if I was drawing or painting apposed to a guy holding a camera. I'm willing to go the extra mile to produce the best art I can regardless on who the client is. I actually take pride in seeing the intrigued and amazed look on clients faces during shoots as well as the looks they give when they can't believe their finished product. I work with everyone's budget which makes the competition upset. I do a lot of shoots for single moms close to free due to the fact that all kids deserve to have their memories captured. I refuse for kids not to be able to get pics due to financial reasons. It's so many adults who don't have many pics of their childhood because moms couldn't afford Sears. I don't want that being the case in my city. I'm so different because I actually care and people care about me. You can be better than me in so many ways, but you will never be able to take my client because I don't look as them as just another dollar. My clients are blank canvases that love when I paint them.


How important is it for you to gain the comfortability of your clients?

SW: Comfort is the first priority. I often invite clients into my home before shoots so they will know where I live. Trust is gained when they know where I live and they don't mind paying for service knowing that if anything goes wrong they can come to me directly. Female clients know that I am used to being around women in awkward situations and that I am in no way perverted or as they call "thirsty". Most of my clients are female and they enjoy me being behind and or in front of the camera with them. My fans also enjoy seeing pictures of me taking pictures and I am often asked to be in pictures with my clients. We build good friendships and being comfy is the number one rule for me. It makes for better shoots.

How big do you plan SteveWhiteFilms to get?

SW: SteveWhiteFilms has no limits, I want to be bigger then Sears. I have a strong team and I want to be able to hire everyone that has a love for their art in my city. I have make up artists, models, designers, hair stylists, and creative directors. I want to be able to back everyone up and travel for high budget shoots, and yet still be able to come home and do a cheap kids shoot for a proud new mom. I want to be able to film a video for someone famous that will be on MTV, yet still come shoot a wedding video for a couple in love or a baby shower. The possibilities for SteveWhiteFilms are truly endless.

Wow, Steve White's humble attitude will be the platform to his success. He is definitely headed in the right direction and I wish the best of luck to him!

 

Twitter: @SteveWhiteFilms

www.STEVEWHITEFILMS.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

--Free<3

@InkStains_

An Exclusive Interview with Elusive Orkestra

 

I had the pleasure of interviewing some of the top upcoming producers who all go by the name of Elusive Orkestra. The sharp, polished beats have caught my attention and the ear of more than a few mainstream artists. The smooth, rhythmic sounds have teamed up with amazing artists to create phenomenal songs. Elusive Orkestra is definitely in high demand and I wanted the scoop of what they've done and what they'll continue to do. Collectively, these partners in production have an even brighter future ahead of them then they've ever imagined.

*All the members came together to give these answers

Where did Elusive Orkestra begin to become what it is today?

EO: Elusive Orkestra began in Milwaukee, WI with dedicated producers who's life goals are more than music. We're using music to inspire others and let them know that you can be whatever you want to be in life as long as you're fully committed and dedicated to the craft. We all started at the bottom and worked our way up to the industry. We're trying to become a household name in today's industry and sustain it forever!!!

How difficult is it to learn your profession? Is it more hands-on learning or college education required?

EO: It's pretty difficult at first but once you've practiced over and over, it becomes second nature. Being a producer is more hands on. A college education isn't required but it wouldn't hurt to go. We never went to college for music; we basically just taught ourselves music. It's more of "getting the feel & emotion" of music with Elusive Orkestra. We've been producing music for 10+ years now. God has blessed us with this talent and we won't fail Him.

Any production credits you would like to mention?

EO: We've produced records for Cyhi The Prynce, Mistah F.A.B., Yung Joc, Rico Love, Shawnna, Three 6 Mafia, Pizzle, Brian Angel, Trae The Truth, Mullage, Gerald Walker, Jae Millz, Talib Kweli, Lil' Chuckee, Young Dro, & many more.

What type of artists do you prefer to work with?

EO: We're open to any dope artist. We love when we make beats for an artist and they've done exactly what we wanted done to the beat. Anyone can rap now these days but only the chosen few can actually make great songs. We put in 50% of the work so we require the artist to match our quality and hard work.

What is the typical work schedule consisting of on a regular day versus a busy day?

EO: On a regular day we're still working but it might be more on the business side, finding samples, mixing, and more. We never take days off because the competition and music industry never sleeps. A busy day can consist of making beats, mixing them, taking inquiries, going to meet with artist & A&Rs, and doing whatever we need to become great in this business and in life period.

Has social networking benefited this business in any way?

EO: Social networks has helped us in a great way. Most of the time we don't even have to travel to meet and greet people in the music industry. We find most of our connects via Twitter. We can get direct contact with an industry person with a click of a button. We promote our music on nearly all of the social networks out there. I don't know where we'd be without social networks. Our generation of musicians have it easier than the old music industry.

Anyone you would love to work with- whether its an artist, producer, etc. ?

EO: We would love to work with Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Big Sean, T.I., Nas, and many more. We feel like those kind of artists are original, very creative, and could compliment our music in a great way.

How important do you feel production is in a song?

EO: We feel like it's VERY important!!! What would the music be without sound? The music production side of a song brings out the emotion from the artist and gives fans something they can enjoy through their lifetime.

How you plan to expand/promote the awareness of Elusive Orkestra?

EO: We plan to get our music out there a fan at a time. We're going to travel, give out free music, produce for amazing artists, & use every social network effectively. We will continue to let God control our music so that we know we're making the right decisions when it comes to music. We feel like we're living on earth for two reasons; to build or destroy. We're most definitely here to build for ourselves and others.

 

"One thing about music, when it hits you feel no pain" -Bob Marley

 

TWITTER: @ElusiveOrkestra @DeonteHayes @RellDerelle @Bizness_Boi @dtiggs_promotes @RahnDevri @alejandro_fuego @yungdev414

 

TUMBLR:

http://rideoutderelle.tumblr.com
http://biznessboi.tumblr.com

 

SOUNDCLOUD:

DerelleRideout

Andre Bizness Robertson

 

 

 

 

 

--Free<3

@InkStains_

Behind The Facade: MissDia Pushes Poetry

The mind of a poet explores every angle possible. There isn't much to say that accomplished dream chaser Miss Dia hasn't already said. In the interview below, she goes in full depth details about everything she does without missing a thing. Check out my next guest Miss Dia!

 

You're working on a new project. Tell me more about it.

Dia: I am very excited to release my 4th poetry project entitled, "My Autobipoetry". I will be packaging the project with a chat book. The chat book will include the stories behind the poems because ALL my poems have a story behind them, even if it's someone else's. I anticipate releasing it Dec. 18th at my poetry feature in Milwaukee (Poetry Unplugged @ Nostalgia 1.. 7155 n. 43rd st) I pride myself on not being a one dimensional poet. I have a blend of poems to appeal to a wide audience. For example, I have a poem called Fake Azz Pimp. It sums up the people who get into that lifestyle and act a certain way off of an assumption that that's how its done. Then I offer poems with a more comedic tone like "Voicemail". I wanted to be the voice of what runs through a woman's mind when she get those unwanted 2 a.m. calls. This project has it all from relationships to self repair as well as a tribute to my late father, whom I recently lost in October of 2011. This has been a helluva year and this project takes you through it track by track.

When did you first begin writing poetry? 

Dia: I began writing poetry sometime in middle school. I wasn't really into it but we had to do it for assignments. My teacher and friends at school would always talk about how good of a writer and speaker I was during programs and class projects. It was 1993 when my cousin Derrick, who was already well known for being one of the coldest rappers in our city, ignited my love for rhyming & writing. I was determined to be the female Pac, lol. However, I had horrible stage fright. I would always spit in circle ciphers which is way different then being center stage. I was what some would call, a studio artist. There was a turning point for me in 1995. I saw this poet win Showtime at the Apollo and knew that was what I wanted to do, I just had to see it with my own two eyes.  I put out my first solo project, entitled "Boss Biz" in 2007. It was declared a Rap CD but I included some of my poetry as my way to stand out in the waves of emerging local female MC's. At the time I was working at a gas station and my manager let me put it on display and sell them. The more I sold, the more the word spread. There were days I sold more of my CD then cigarettes. Word of mouth had event coordinators looking for poets and people suggesting me. 

Where was your first performance? When did you know had true talent?

Dia: My very first poetry performance was at the Midwest Comedy Show at the Onyx, in Milwaukee. I was approached by the event's photographer for the night, who told me I should go to Poetry Unplugged open mic. That was December 2008. It was during a poetry slam competition so I didn't get to spit until Jan. 6th, 2009. I remember the date because that was the day I knew I had true talent.

What would you say is your biggest accomplishment as far as poetry is concerned? Is there a specific place that you would love to perform at?

 

Dia: My biggest accomplishment that happened BECAUSE of poetry was getting over my stage fright. Within Poetry, I think every accomplishment so far has been bigger than the last. I would have to say having my poetry played on WKKV V100.7 for 9/11 tragedy a few years in a row was definitely a highlight. Then, I hosted my own weekly poetry set in 2011 for almost year but my Blogtalk radio show, The Poetry Push, is my biggest accomplishment to date. As for places I would love to perform, I'd say it's my dream to spit anywhere in New York. I would love that.

Who is your favorite poet? Why?

Dia: The unnamed aforementioned, Jessica Care Moore. She is the poet that I was referring to that won at the Apollo. Don't get me wrong, I have several artists that I respect and admire and I am continually attracted to the words of the latest hot poet on the scene. Jessica Care Moore however, will always be my favorite because she was to me what black barbie was suppose to be for black girls. I was able to relate to her Hip Hop and poetry mix at a time when I wasn't sure which genre I belonged to. She wasn't just rocking in her living room or local cipher. She was national and people ate it up. She is considered the spoken word laureate of the hip-hop generation.

Do you ever plan to publish your work into a book?

Dia: Yup! My chat book I will release with this latest project is a sneak peek to the fictional biography that I have been writing entitled, "Heart Condition". I plan to finish tentatively, in late summer of 2013. 

Your radio show on BlogTalkRadio is creating a buzz, do you hope to host a known national radio show and advertise your poetry that way? How often is your show on the air?

Dia: Well, technically it is national because it is on the internet and anyone can access it. I also offer it free download on iTunes. However, to be on a premier radio network would be amazingly dope! A blessing I would be thankful for but not pursue. I always wanted to use my poetry as a communication tool in rehabilitation and motivational settings like schools, prison and motivational speaking seminars; kinda like the not so religious street version of Joyce Meyer. I believe there are healing power in words and I want to be a part of those known for giving goose bumps when they spit. I'm Pushin Poetry every Friday at 8pm CDT on BlogTalk Radio, "Tha Poetry Push show" It's a show where words play! A mix of poetry/music/comedy and commentary. I bring to the poetic table both street & book knowledge. Touching on issues like relationships, self-reflections and conscious concerns. I also offer a platform for any poet who wants to be heard.

Why is it important for you to share your poetry?

Dia: It's important because I have a son and one day he will be able to read all about his mom through her poems, [so] I'll never leave him! I was given this talent and the first thing I learned in life was not to waste anything that was given to you. I have been through a lot and when I think of all the fuel behind my writing, I understand why.

It's pretty tough to make a good name for yourself in poetry. How do you plan to make your dreams concrete?

Dia: I had to realize that I have a purpose. I was chosen to be one of the messengers to the masses through my artistry. It's so much bigger than performing and it's not categorized as a profession that will consistently sell out amphitheaters and super domes. So that's why I want to venture into writing books and be in demand to perform at schools, prisons and seminars. I want to make healing with words as popular and normal as over the counter meds.

Success is thought of differently to everyone. What does it mean to you?

Dia: It means loving what you do. I would like to be comfortable enough to be able to sit back and enjoy the many accomplishments I have yet to achieve. It's hard to see the good of things when problems, money problems especially, are blocking your vision. I won't say that I don't want to be rich but I will say that I want to be rich for other people sake. It is a success to be able to take care of those you love. When some little poet thinks of me like I thought of Jessica Care Moore 15 years ago up until this very moment, then I will see my idea of success.

 

 

Where do you see yourself in the future?

Dia: I see myself in books that talk about great poets. I see myself in the styles of any poet that looked through and mirrored any of my YouTube and Sound Cloud downloads. I see myself loving what i do.....still:)

All of my online presence can be found at: itsmyurls.com/missdia414

 Thank you so much for the interview!! Help me in support of the lovely Miss Dia!

Follow on Twitter @MissDiaPoetry

And Instagram @PoetryPusher 

--Free<3 

@InkStains_

Behind The Facade: Presenting Aliesa Nicole

Everyone loves to hear the sweet sounds of Milwaukee's Princess of Pop & Rhythm&Blues. She has a fan base that continually grows. The involvement in high end subscriptions such as Elle Magazine and singing with known artists has humbled her angelic soul. Behind The Facade is a brand new series of interviews and unleashes the truth behind the mask that some people may wear. It seeks to unveil the true beauty in the music, radio, promotional and public relation fields, etc. Aliesa Nicole's radiant features and superb abilities will achieve great things as we all know. Her music reiterates the epitome of what marvelous music sounds like. Aliesa's charming spirit will be the platform for her career as an elegant,  ground shaking vocalist.

If someone were to ask, "Who's Aliesa Nicole?" what would be your response?

Aliesa: If someone were to ask who's Aliesa Nicole I would say a young woman that has been through a lot who is hard working, determined & optimistic; Someone who is sure of herself and knows exactly where she wants to go in this life.

What has been your motivation to succeed in this tough industry?

Aliesa: The thing that's been and will always be my motivation in this tough industry is my drive. I don't wanna do music to be famous or to be recognized, I just wanna share my experiences and stories through my music with the world in the hopes that I can impact someone in a positive way. The industry being tough doesn't bother me. You just have to stay true to yourself and let the industry come to you. Don't chase it!!!
 

What do you plan to  achieve in this business?

Aliesa: The things that I want to achieve in this business are limitless. I want to write for other artists, producers & discover artists. So many things.

What has been your biggest accomplishment/proudest moment thus far?

 Aliesa: The thing that has been my biggest accomplishment and my proudest moment was getting discovered by famous super model Anais Mali. She told me that I need to do a lot of modeling. It was shocking and I was honored because I've never considered that as an option. She asked me to participate in a shoot in Elle Magazine and the rest is history.

Is singing all you've ever wanted to do? Is there another related field you wanted to get into?

 

Aliesa: Singing is not all I want to do. I'm actually going to be in some really cool commercials in 2013. I went to Columbia College Chicago and majored in Theater so I really love acting. That's one of my passions and I am pursuing that as well.

               Do you have a personal favorite of any of your songs?

Aliesa: Yes I do have a personal favorite but the song is not out yet. Lol but right now it would be my new single "When It Hurtz The Most"
 

What has been the toughest struggle in your music career? How do you plan to overcome the adversities of the future?

Aliesa: My toughest struggle in the industry would be not changing my sound with what's hot right now. I plan to overcome this by staying true to my sound and stay original as possible.

As a hopeful international superstar, what would you like to tell your fans and future business partners?

Aliesa: As a future superstar I would love to tell my fans and future business partners that the best is yet to come. To me, it's not about being a superstar. If we could all come together on one accord and change the world, be it through music or whatever, would be a blessing to me! That's what I want fans and business partners to realize.

How did it feel to work with artists like Arab and Jre Riley?

Aliesa: It was a cool experience working with both of those guys. Very humble and easy to work with.

Who are some mainstream artists you look up to and would love to work with?

Aliesa: There a few mainstream artist that I look up to and would love to work with such as Erykah Badu, Kendrick Lamar, Elle Varner , Andre 3000, Janelle Monae and many more. 

Describe the emotion when you hear your song on the radio.

Aliesa: The emotion that I feel when I hear my song on the radio is surreal. Even in being excited, I still critique myself.. Lol

Any upcoming performances?

Aliesa: Yes I have a really big performance coming up. I am the First Lady of Mil Star Entertainment and we are throwing an event called Rodney Poe Unplugged at Nostalgia 1 on the 23rd of this month. I will be debuting my single "Hurts The Most" so I would love for everyone to come out and show their support.

There you have it! Aliesa is just as sweet in person as she is in this interview. It was great having you as my first guest and a former hairstyling client. You deserve it all and more! Help support Aliesa & wish her great blessings in all of her endeavors. 

Check out her latest video, "Holiday" here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_vQ9OhTJoc

Twitter: @AliesaNicole Instagram:@AliesaNicoleBaybe 

--Free<3

@InkStains_