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TUAS MAGAZINE

CHOKLATE

TUAS MAGAZINE

“FLY”

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The Unsigned Artist Show (TUAS)Reg Turner (MisterTUAS) | TwitterUNSIGNEDARTISTSHOW.COM | PodcastsUnsigned Artist Show Movement | FacebookTHE UNSIGNED ARTIST SHOW | Facebook

Reginald TurnerEditor-in- Chief

Angie LamarTUAS Movement and Magazine(313) 433-3680angie@unsignedartistshow.com

Angie LamarPublic Relations, Sr. Writer

From the Midwest to the West CoastBy Reg Turner

D’JAE STORM

I am a Midwest native, born in Saginaw, MI. I relocated to Chicago at the age of 2, and consider that home. Throughout my youth, I gravitated to books and computers, as opposed to sports and other physical activities; never really having an outlet from urban society’s oppression on our culture. Originally a Computer Science and Engineering major at Michigan State University, I eventually discovered a deep passion in expression through hip hop dance via the MSU Gospel Choir’s dance auxiliary. With that foundation, I went in a completely different direction, and transferred my sophomore year to Columbia College Chicago to become a Dance major. I was a late bloomer to the art of dance, but a young man full of passion and determination to learn. I sought out additional training on the side, and was exposed to Deeply Rooted Dance Theater. While both Columbia’s Dance Center and Deeply Rooted taught me the fundamentals, Deeply Rooted also helped me find my soul in dance.

What types of classes were required at Columbia College in order for you to graduate?

I am a person who appreciates learning on all spectrums. Columbia College seeks to develop dancers with a high intellect. We were required to complete countless hours of Modern and Ballet classes, however we were also required to delve into the histories of dance; be it Tap, West African, Lester Horton, Martha Graham, to even the cultural dances of the indigenous tribes of Australia. I took classes on music, as well as reading, writing, and exuding rhythms. I took Anatomy, heightening senses and safety of my own body. There were collaborative courses where we had to work with other department majors on campus. Additionally, I enrolled in a teaching course, instructing entry level students. Columbia wanted us to be prepared for the real world as Artists and Alumni, and I feel they did a job well done!

Columbia College is known for producing some high profile people that now work in the industry. Have you met any alumni’s? If so, who?Coming from the Midwest, how did you end up in Los Angeles?

Honestly, living in the city of LA where there is a strong focal point in networking, you come across so many individuals. I recall bumping into one individual when I first moved here, while working a non-dance related 9-5. She wore a Columbia College Alumni shirt. My sub-par networking skills allowed her name to slip my grasp. I eventually discovered she was a coordinator of a program titled Semester in LA, which Columbia offers to students to take summer courses geared toward their major. I have yet to scratch the surface with my acting side, however I intend to eventually. When it comes to dance, however, a lot of Columbia Alumni gravitate towards the East Coast. My genuine passion for not just Technical Dance but Hip Hop as well has led me to LA. There is a command for you to bring your “A” game when it comes to Hip Hop and performance, because everyone is out here trying to make it. I only embrace the challenge in heightening my skill!

As a budding Choreographer, what style of dance most peaks your interest?

I do hold a degree in Dance with emphasis in Dance Making, however, I simply see myself still in the stages of learning. Again, I appreciate and love to learn; I feel that there is still so much more for me to take in. The little that I was exposed to in the Midwest is of another caliber compared to here in the West, as well as to what may be available for me in the East, or South. I have a tool box that I keep attached to my mental, and I keep equipping it with brand new tools every chance I get. And because of that, I always find something new in each style of dance that I engage in. Contemporary, Hip Hop and even African Dance could peak my interest in the same day given the opportunity!

What age group do you prefer to teach?

I have yet to truly branch out into teaching. Given the opportunity however, I would teach those within the ages of 20-30; young adults.

How is teaching choreography to skilled dancers easier than teaching to beginners?

Beginners are like children. They pay attention to every little detail so much they sometimes miss…every little detail! They have to be nurtured and developed. It takes an immense amount of patience to be able to teach beginner levels. You have to have patience with yourself to go a step slower than what you may be accustomed to. You have to have patience with your pupils in acquiring the skill. Patience is key.

What's a good way to motivate or pump up your dancers before you start your session?

I have used many tactics to motivate others. It all depends on what is to be explored. It could call for a group huddle/pow-wow moment, to instilling a few words into their mental, and letting them have a moment to themselves to reflect or think. It could involve everyone moving freely through the space together at the same time. It could even involve everyone just sitting and listening to a piece of music. It just depends on where we are trying to go!

Have you landed in any well-known artist videos?

Over the past six months, I have been fortunate enough to land both AcE ft. Jayden and Willow Smith Find You Somewhere, and Taylor Swift’s I Knew You Were Trouble music videos that have been released. My biggest role to date included an opportunity to play one of Akon’s right hand men/Generals titled One in the Chamber, has unfortunately not yet been released.

Who else have you had a chance to network with while out in Los Angeles?

To date, I am most thankful to have the opportunity to call Choreographer Free Boogie my mentor. He has recently choreographed for artists Justin Bieber, Omarion, and Tyrese to name a few, as well as numerous films and a multitude other projects. I am thankful because this industry is not just some yellow brick road to follow down were you will eventually find Emerald City. A lot of people get off track and never get back on. But he’s a genuine humble soul who has gone somewhere, and is still going, and has so graciously extended his knowledge and teachings unto myself. It is an experience I will hold onto for all of my dance career.

What's next for D'Jae Storm in 2013?

January 23rd marked my two year anniversary living here in LA. Time has certainly flown as I feel like I just moved here. Slowly I am beginning to develop bits and pieces of my own material, to possibly start teaching. Collaborating with some of my well known peers on concept videos is underway. Going on tour with a huge artist would always be ideal for 2013! Any and everything that builds my résumé for the future and the “Big Picture” down the road is what’s next. Since 2013 is still just kicking off, it’s pretty much an open book. I will attempt to fill every page!

COMING SOON!!!!!

CHOKLATEChoklate is an international Singer/Songwriter based in Seattle, WA.She has shared the stage with and/or collaborated with the likes of Anthony Hamilton, Drake, Musiq Soulchild, De La Soul, Eric Roberson, Boys II Men, Bilal, Anthony David, Sharon Jones andThe Dap Kings, Nikka Costa, Baaba Maal, Res, Erykah Badu, Dwele, Raheem DeVaughn,Roy Ayers, Blacksheep and many more.

The release of her self-titled CD in 2006, and its subsequent re-release in 2008 created atremendous global buzz for Choklateʼs music and live performances. With the release of2009ʼs “To Whom It May Concern” Choklate once again teamed up with hip-hop/soulproducer Vitamin D and the duo have delivered a critically acclaimed CD. The SeattleWeekly says “When the album's listened to in one sitting, it's clear Choklate has maturedand found a sound that can revive contemporary soul, just when others were questioning ifit was dead.”

FLY is the eagerly anticipated 3rd release from independent Seattle Soul Singer/SongwriterCHOKLATE. As an essential part of the 21st century soul music landscape, CHOKLATEblends her unique style of soul, jazz, blues, hip hop and gospel into a combustible combinationthat musically fuels her material.

The 5-track, self-penned healthy dose of “reality soul,” that sends a positive and passionatemessage, combined with forward-thinking production, raw beats and lush instrumentationfeatures production by long-time collaborator, Vitamin D (Abstract Rude, Black Sheep,Young Buck, Darien Brockington), Soul/R&B music staple Musiq Soulchild, Kuddie Fresh(T Pain, Chris Brown, Busta Rhymes) and Redbull Beatbattle Champion ʼ09 Marcus DShe's toured Sweden, France, Italy, Japan and the UK and performed at the Blue Note(NYC), Jazz Alley (Seattle), countless other historical music venues around the world andheadlined her own U.S. tour. She continues to stretch the boundaries of soul music.

Have you always enjoyed the art of music?No. Sometimes the business of the art is hard, but I have always loved it though.

When did you first start singing?I started as a child, however professionally and seriously since 2006.

What was the first song you performed? Publicly? Like in front of an audience? Oh Happy Day from the Sister Act soundtrack.

What did your family do to encourage you?My family just loves and supports me. They ask the tough questions that when answered; help me to find my way.

Who are your musical inspirations?Sam CookeWillie HutchDonnie HathawayLauren Hill Marvin Gaye and many more

Describe the music scene in Seattle?It's alive, vibrant and full of lots of amazing colors and layers.

You have a huge international following, where have you performed and toured overseas?Paris, London, Birmingham, Japan etc.

How did you come up with the title of your new album? What does it represent?"FLY" represents the essence of being fly...what makes you tick and brings out your innermost beauty which is captured in the actual title track. Also, it's what I genuinely hope to do with the releasing of this newer material - to soar to a place I've not yet experienced.

The first two singles "Wide Open" and "Win" are mid to up tempo tracks. Are there any ballads on the album?Ya know? I am not entirely sure. The full length will definitely have a couple surprises on it though; still tweaking at the moment.

Your production is a mixture between soul and hip-hop. Is Vitamin D your in-house producer or do you have other producers that you work with as well?I work with producers from all over. Producers with music whose sounds speak to me. No discrimination.

How has Choklate grown lyrically from the “To Whom It May Concern” album to the FLY EP?I don't know honestly, I am in my skin so it is hard to answer that. The experiences are different, so I suppose that is a change. I am not the best one to answer that, better for someone interested in comparing to actually juxtapose both and come up with a good answer for that one.

Do you play any instruments?The bongos and the tambourine. I am stone cold on the tambourine, does that count?

If you could dabble in another genre of music, what would it be?Dance, and honestly anything that tickles my fancy. I do what I like, what I’m drawn to...whatever that may be.

Who are your favorite artists right now?BJ the Chicago Kid, AB, Bilal, Little Dragon, Flying Lotus, and Foreign Exchange to name a few.

Who would you most like to open for?Raphael Saddiq, Lauren Hill, Andre 3000, to name a few.

What is the best advice ever given to you?There is too much good advice that comes into my life regularly; however one tid bit that sticks out at the moment is “being yourself is the best approach”.

If you weren't singing, what would you be doing?Non-profit work with the inner city, less fortunate and homeless demographics. Philanthropic work.

What else can we expect from you in the future?Some real, some passion, some grind, some hunger, some push, some determination, lots of love and all of it captured in the music.

By Angela Lamar

www.choklateonline.comwww.twitter.com/choklatewww.facebook.com/choklatemusicwww.reverbnation.com/choklate

WIN by Choklate ft. Phonte produced by Vitamin D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_pdwIqwf94

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How long have you had an interest in music? I have had an interest in music my entire life. My grandmother brought me up around nothing but 70's soul music, and my mother with 80's and early 90's R&B music. With no older brothers or sisters, I had to discover Hip-Hop on my own.

Did you attend school for music engineering? Where? I graduated from The Institute of Audio Research in New York City.

How did you begin your affiliation with Jersey Sound Lab? I linked up with my manager in late 2010, and we created Jersey Sound Lab. Making power moves ever since!

Is Jersey Sound Lab a studio or record label? Both. We have a recording studio in Newark, and we are in the process of finishing another studio in Brooklyn. Jersey Sound Lab the label is small circle of artist producers and DJ's.

What equipment do you use to create beats? I been rocking with Reason for a while, but for the last past year I have used Ableton Live to do the majority of my tracks. Sometimes I still knock the dust off my MPC2000XL and knock some tracks out the classic.

You can be called a triple threat - rapper, beat producer and engineer. Which one do you get the most gratification from? That is hard to choose; however if I had to choose one I would say producing beats. It is nothing better than creating something off an idea, sample or melody. It is a dope feeling when an artist you look up to or respect for your whole music career jumps on your beat - it is amazing to me.

Do you prefer to rap over your own production versus rapping to another producer's track? I usually get tracks from my main producer Craft Beatz [ @CraftBeatz ] or other outside producers. I rap on my own tracks, but that process involved making the beat, then stepping away from the beat for a day or two. I will then listen to it again with fresh ears as an artist. It is a process.

Who motivates you in today's music scene? Right now its El Da Sensei [ Artifacts ] that's one of my mentors and his grind is crazy. From the music to the grind. He is a great overall artist showing longevity and staying current in the Underground Hip Hop game.

Are you looking for an independent or major label deal? Right now I'm staying independent. I just signed a deal with an indie label in Australia where I will be releasing an EP called "INNOVATION" and a few singles. I am also working on a project with Sci-Fi Stu on Hi-Risk Records in the United Kingdom. However if a "major" comes my way, I am sure my management and I will make the right moves for my career.

What are your long-term goals are far as music production? I want to produce movie scores and video games in the future. There are a lot of artists I want to work with, and I am getting few placements for 2013. It is so many different routes I know I can take producing. I recently executive produced two projects, and I have a few other projects lined up this year.

Have you done any shows outside of Jersey? If so, where? Yes. Boston, Memphis, Chi-town, New York and a few other spots, however those are the highlight shows.

The Internet is a great tool for networking outside of your region, have you used it to network or collaborate with any other artist? Definitely! I do the majority of my work with artists and producers overseas; sending music sessions over Dropbox is clutch for me. Twitter, Facebook and even Instagram is how I meet and communicate with most of the new artists I work with it. It gets over saturated sometimes, and you to find out who's serious or not. For the most part the web is everything.

What should we expect from Internal Quest in 2013? We are starting the year out with the 'IDEOLOGY' EP Produced By UK Producer, SCIFI Stu dropping 3/13/13 and we are dropping the album in the 4th quarter. I am also producing and engineering for Sadat X/ El Da Sensei's "XL" Album. I will be heading over to Europe this year to perform and record. We have met a lot of goals in the last two years, and we are right on schedule with the plan we set out on.

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JLorreencollectionsJulia Whetstone was born and raised in New Jersey. She worked for the postal service for 14 years, and

continually desired a change. Feeling unfulfilled and unhappy, she had a strong desire to go to school to learn a trade working with her hands; not just to be mechanical but to use her brain as well. In 2002 she resigned from

the postal service, packed her belongings, and drove to Michigan.

She began sharing photos with co-workers and received many great compliments. In 2007 a church member provided her with a 35mm digital camera, a Fuji Finepix still in her possession. He said God told him to give it to

her. She began to use the camera and slowly learned to love it.

Within a year, armed with a portfolio and business cards, she began to market herself. In 2008 she received an offer to do her first wedding, followed by graduation photos, family photos and a graduation party. She was truly

in awe of God's blessings; she finally had an opportunity to work on something she truly loved to do. Most rewarding of all was the satisfaction from customers pleased with her work - PRICELESS.

At age 7, an aunt taught Julia how to crochet. She recalls the excitement about crocheting her first items.

Continuing to make items in high school, she went on to make a few items for an expectant niece. She decided to take photos of the items and show friends and co-workers, and based on their reactions, decided to make and

sell other items.

In 2011 Julia created the website www.JLorreencollections.com to feature her photography and crocheting. Her prayer is to continue to develop and share the gifts God has given, and sell her items.

Your earlier career began with the postal service, what brought about the shift into photography and design? Well the shift came about because I wanted to do something other than postal work. A friend invited me to move to Michigan. I accepted her invitation, resigned from the postal service, and relocated. Upon moving here I know God used my step of faith to further develop my gifts of photography and crocheting. What I mean by saying step of faith is I didn't have a job lined up when I got here.

What do you enjoy most about photography?What I enjoy most is kind of hard to say. There are many things, but if I had to choose, it would have to be having this gift from God; sharing it with people who see His creations, but may not see what He does until they see the photos I take. For example, a sunset/sunrise, a group of trees, a bird, a flower. People see these things every day; however they see them in a different ways through my photography. I also enjoy having events becoming memories by taking photos, like family get togethers, birthday celebrations, and graduations. The moment being held in a photo, viewing back on them time and time again. The feeling of that moment, that is priceless. Each photo is just like an original work of art. For example the sun rises and sets each and every day but it NEVER looks the same; similar but NEVER the same.

What elements contribute to a great picture?There are so many elements. I have heard, read and witnessed that lighting is one of the best if not the best element to make a great photo. For me it is also the way I see the subjects. For example, the way the sunrays shine down through the trees or up into the clouds. The way a swan sits on the lake holding its neck, etc.

Tell us about your tools and any personal favorites including brand, model or style.I have a Fuji Finepix 19x. It is the only tool I have.

What initially sparked your interest in photography?I believe I was born with the interest/gift/desire for photography. My family loves photos and would argue often about who was stealing what photo from whom, so I was also exposed to photos at an early age, kind of like a nurturing. I also loved viewing other people’s photos, especially old black and whites. I can recall at an early age seeing great shots of people and things. For example, a mother and a child embracing, a beautiful day with white fluffy clouds, but didn't have a camera to take the shots. So I would take them in my mind. When I finally received a film camera from my Mom, I took photos constantly. Later in life when I vacationed I would photograph where I visited. I would show them to family, friends and co-workers, who would compare my photos to post cards - I really liked that.

What would you say is more important - a good visual eye or good equipment?Without a doubt, the eye. I was told by a professional photographer I have a good camera. Although after viewing my photos (which she liked), she said she would love to see what I could do with a better camera. Of course equipment plays a huge part, but having the best equipment doesn't always help you take a good photo. There was another professional photographer that complimented me on composition, seeing how to compose the shot. She said many photographers never get the grasp of composition no matter how much academic experience they have, and I have no formal education at all. Honestly at one point I had no idea what composition meant; I had to look it up. In this gift God has given me the ability to compose shots, even when I didn't know what I was doing. I just knew what I saw I liked, and in turn others like also.

Tell our readers about your favorite picture and why.I ABSOLUTELY LOVE TREES. To be exact trees without their leaves. Right now my favorite photo is of a tree lined street in Birmingham. The street is kind of narrow so some of the branches have grown across the street to the other part of the sidewalk, so it kind of forms a tunnel like effect, I love that look. I know you asked for one, but I have another. The other is just one tree. It is on a dirt road that I travel often. Before this day I had not noticed the tree. I was driving home and the sun was kind of setting. As I drove past this tree, I saw there was this kind of fog misty look with sunrays shining down on the branches. It looks similar to a love movie scene, and I love that genre of movies. I stopped, backed up and got out. There are times when I always have my camera with me for occasions such as this. I started photographing this scene. I was very excited to get home and view the photos. I had a couple of photos that were just right. I still drive over that dirt road and now I have to purposely look for this tree because I learned there isn't anything really special about in general, but it is the only tree on the road where the branches hang over the road. Although the tree isn't particularly special, that day God made it special just for me.

What reward or satisfaction does photography provide to you?The biggest rewards are sharing my gift with people, seeing the smiles on their faces, and the excitement in their voices when they see their portraits or my personal inventory. Photography is a ministry to me. I have sold photos in festivals and what I love about being out there is my photography draws people in. They come and view what I have, ask me questions and a conversation is sparked. This gives me the opportunity to minister to God's children who may not know Him and share with them how good and amazing He is. One other thing is people are so busy and careless that they don't take the time to view His beautiful creations and He guides me to show them.