Bofoe Kamnda

Bofoe Kamanda is an aspiring makeup artist, originating from the DMV. She's produced a variety of complex and inspiring looks for her followers, gaining an exceptional amount of support for her talent.

Below, her and I delve into the mind of an upcoming creator in this field and briefly discuss the trials and tribulations of her journey

Q:

Alright then, first question for you. Considering your line of work, at what point in your life did you realize that you had talent for makeup artistry? When did the realization dawn on you?

A:

When I first started getting into makeup artistry it was my freshman year of college. My freshman year I had a LOT of time on my hands and it being a bad experience for me, I found makeup to be my stress reliever. I always admired makeup artist and just very creative people in general. So I started doing my makeup everyday and as time went on, I fell in love and with much practice, I got better. I won’t say I was “talented” in makeup until my sophomore year in college. But it wasn’t till the end of my freshman year that I realized I wanted to pursue makeup artistry as a career. Back then I was unsure though. Now as a Junior in College, I’m certain it’s my calling.

Q:

That's great. You used a way to cope with the stress of your every day to cultivate a passion that you realized you have a real talent for. That seems to be a subtle trend for creative minds in this day and age and it's a good and healthy way to find out where your creativity can take you.

This brings me to my next question. Who would you say have been your biggest inspirations when pursuing this craft. Whether a close family member or a famous individual, who helped you keep that spark going?

A:

Thank you! For some artist at their down moments they discover certain things and create glorious art from it. And I’m happy mine was being able to display art on my face.
When it comes to who inspires me it’s not anyone specific. I’m inspired by all creatives I see or around me. From designers, makeup artist, artists, photographers, and etc. Ones that really stand out to me on Instagram are Danessa_myricks, Ciscabeauty, Jeannaturner, Staceymariemua, Bao.ii, Beautybybb, and etc. But when it comes to who has helped me stay motivated it’s one, Myself, because I refuse to fail, my best friend, because she always hypes me up and believes in me, and my mom/dad, because I can’t wait to do for them what they did for me.

Q:

That's a good answer. Inspiration, I feel like, shouldn't just be drawn from a single source. It should be a regular part of your every day life, whether randomly or deliberately. Doing for your parents what they've done for you is a big thing. Sometimes we don't truly understand the scope of how much they actually struggled to make it and provide for us. It's great that your pursuit for success in this industry isn't only for self-driven purposes.

I ask this to many creators I interview, but I think it's a crucial question and ties into my previous one pretty antagonistically. What, about your craft, do you think separates you from others in your field? What about you do you think you can bring to the table that no one else can, or has yet to do.

A:

Well what makes me, me is that I believe my work has its own look. When I do a certain look you know it’s me. Though I do do inspired looks, I still add a little spin to it. I like to do things that I like and not because it’s trending. I do looks no matter if it’s dramatic, soft, colorful, editorial, or confusing. I say I’m pretty true to myself and original.

Some people see me as JUST a makeup artist but I like to define myself as a creative. Mainly because that’s not the only thing I’m interested in doing. I plan on cooperating many things into my work and also practice photography, creative directing, styling, hair styling, and etc. And when I expand to owning my own line I would contribute a lot by my lonesome. I won’t say others can’t do what I do because in art no one can be better than anyone. I just think what I can bring, many will enjoy.

Q:

Truth. They say there's nothing new under the sun, only the creativity to innovate what's already been invented into something else and I think that applies to every piece of content and art creators put out. Your willingness to touch every aspect of your field is ambitious and using your passion to span into other fields that can help accentuate your own is the very form of innovation needed to be successful in this day and age.

How would you describe a day in the life of a makeup artist? What tools and/or regimens do you go through day by day that help with your process?

A:

Well thank you! I appreciate the kind observation.
A day in the life of a makeup artist really consist of waking up, beating your face, and continuing whatever you have planned ahead but looking great while doing it. I wouldn’t say I know the lifestyle as a full time makeup artist. But from my understanding it’s just being able to be whoever you want for that day. The main tool you need is motivation. Days get discouraging as an artist because your success is based on what others think of your work. But at the same time you have to do it for you and you only. If other like it then that’s great as well. Other tools you need are the obvious eyeshadow palettes, brushes, concealers, lipsticks/lipgloss, powders, sprays, and etc. As long as you have those you’ll get better overtime.

Q:

So in essence it's doing what you want while looking the way your creativity inspired you to look. It's a bold thing to wear and honestly become your art. That in and of itself  is an invitation for criticism, like you said, but I think it's also the boldest and most stark forms of success when someone can look at how you do these things and commend and support you.

My final question would be what advice would you give to those who want to start out in this career choice? Any life lessons or advice that you yourself have gotten that you would like to share?

A:

Some advice that I would give to any aspiring makeup artists or creatives is that you stay true to yourself and keep it pushing. There are many times you’ll get discouraged and have no motivation but you have to realize there will always be times like these and there is always someone their that supports you. Don’t follow after trends if it’s not your style. Be original and connect with the beauty community because there are so many sweet and creative minds out there. Lessons I’ve learned are live life to please yourself and to make you happy. I might take certain criticism from others but when it comes to my craft I do it for me. Don’t let anyone distract you from your goals.

Thank you for the opportunity and interview!

Q:

Great advice. Thank you for the opportunity. We'll be supporting your content from now on on our page if that's alright. Glad we had an opportunity to talk!

~~~~~~~~~~

Follow and Subscribe to Bofoe Kamanda

Bofoe Kamanda Instagram

Bofoe Kamanda Youtube

Charlie Monroe

Charlie Monroe is a Maryland-dwelling artist who has just released her first full EP, Jih Yeah. The project emulates and features the DMV’s creative and organic sounds and talents, emboldened by Charlie’s confident and riotous vocals.

Below, her and I discuss the importance of originality and experiences, as well as her own influences and values as a new artist in this industry.

Q:

Alright cool. Firstly, what and/or who was your main motivation for deciding to delve into music as a passion and what are your daily drives for such a career?

A:

In the beginning my biggest inspiration was Nicki Minaj. I grew up listening to old hip-hop(LL Cool J, Run DMC, Big Daddy Kane, Wu Tang Clan, Etc). I had never thought of rapping until Nicki Minaj came out and showed me women in this generation would be accepted into the game still. The daily drives of this career consist of me wanting to become one with my people. The exchange of relatable experiences through the music and the power the music has over the youth as of now. I also believe that in this world we’ll never have true freedom but we can get close and in order to get close you have to secure a lot of money.

Q:

You know, despite everything happening in the media, Nicki Minaj is one of he most prolific and influential female artists of this generation, and she's paved the way for many upcoming artists such as yourself, which is a big statement in and of itself.

You're right. To be truly free you must have the fiscal and mental strength to cultivate and support it. That's a strong point a lot of new creators don't usually grasp or understand at first.

So with these influences and passions backing you, what do you think sets you apart from others who're trying to pursue the same freedoms as you are?

A:

The things that set me apart from everyone else is I’m telling a true story. No one has lived my life so it’s fresh and new. I also express my opposing opinions in my music. Lastly, I am not just working for myself I try to work with several of artists in order to grow with them together. I’m all about oneness.

Q:

That's a true statement. No one's lived your life but you, and with your creativity you're able weave a painting people can look at and maybe vibe with in some way, especially those at your side trying to come up with you.

From that, how would you describe a normal day in the life of an upcoming artist and her team such as you and yours? What's your process for creating and being inspired to write music? Is it a daily thing or do you have gaps before you get struck with a wave of creativity?

A:

A normal day for me is waking up thinking about how I can further my music how can I expand. I usually go to my socials first see how active my followers are at the moment and move from there. I usually record 3 days out of every week. A lot of my music is inspired by real life situations. If someone angers me it may push me to make a song because music is the way I express all of my emotions in a productive way.

There are times another artist may inspire me as well. More recently, I’ve been freestyling my work it allows me to be more creative. I definitely have gaps with my creativity due to reality. Just like the everyday human I have problems, work, and other things that may take up my time. Things happen for a reason and every time that burst comes I make hits!

Q:

That's crazy yet criminally underrated. It's great that you're pushed by your situations and experiences in your day to day in addition to your past, whether with people or on your own. Seems like a very elastic and adaptive routine as well.

One more, what would your advice be for other artists like you who are just starting out? Any specific tips or experiences you'd like to share to shed some insight on what they may encounter or how they should prepare?

Also is there any music or content you'd like for us to promote on our page?

A:

My advice to other artists just starting out is be patient with yourself, be stingy with your time, and stay true to yourself. As a creator it’s hard to be patient when it comes to releasing your music especially if you feel like you made a great song however I realized there’s a science to all of this it’s about being steady.

I watched an interview of Rico Nasty and she stated that because she has a family now she can’t do things for free or just show up anywhere because her time away from her family has to be spent wisely and that’s REAL.

If you’re a new artist or old artist doesn’t matter know your worth and calculate that with your time. Lastly, stay true to yourself! When I first started out I was 16 years old didn’t know anything about the linguistics of making music just knew I wanted to express, I got hated on, laughed at, and embarrassed but that shit made me strong.

That’s what this business will bring you it’ll show you the worst in people and the best in people it’s up to you to continue to push forward!

& yes my most recent EP i just released!!!

Q:

Great advice. You, as an artist, have a duty to yourself above anyone or anything else, especially as you grow in your craft and in your field. When you strive for greatness people are going to try put you down regardless. Whether simply out of spite or to get ahead of you. You need to retain your integrity, honesty, and creativity throughout, or else this business could swallow you whole.

Sounds good.

A:

I totally agree.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Charlie Monroe’s EP, Jih Yea , is now available on all streaming platforms. 

NoisyBokeh, a Community Out-of-Focus

NoisyBokeh  is a unique comminuty, consisting of a great variety of photographers, all with different styles and interests. Below, I discuss the depth and origin of NoisyBokeh, with prominent member, Sai Jung. Check it out below:

Q:

First, what motivated you all to create a collective like Noisy Bokeh? In other words, what's the lore or history behind the company?

A:

We started this collective as a bunch of friends with a passion of photography. We started photography as a way to escape our day to day lives and just get away. And with photography it helped give us an excuse to hang out and just try something new.

The reason why we came up with Noisybokeh was we started doing low light photography (shooting primarily at night) now shooting at night you have a higher iso, now that gives you more light input but when you look at the photos it gives you the grainy vibe. This is called noise. And back then...even now I use a prime lens with a faster aperture, which gives you prime bokeh. Bokeh are the colourful orbs you’ll see in some photos.

Q:

That's an honest to god need for our generation. It takes time to and energy to retain friendships, time and energy people are too busy or lazy to make time for, however you all capitalized on what you loved to do while also making sure you all stayed close, which is incredible on its own. Consider the success the collective has reeled in and you've hit a win/win

Oh wow, that's pretty interesting. Using the terminology surrounding photography while adding your own personal touch that tells something other than having blatant significance, the name fits perfectly with the brand and what you all are doing with it.

Which brings me to my next question, what are you trying to achieve with Noisy Bokeh? What are the long/short-term goals for the collective?

A:

With Noisybokeh we are trying to form a community which I found didn’t really exist. Now don’t get me wrong there’s lots of amazing photography groups, and tons of amazing groups that focus streetwear, and sneakers. What Noisybokeh  started of as was a location for photographers who shoot in those fields to discuss and share tips and ideas. But has since grown from then. The goal of the group is to educate and show people the side of photography that usually gets pushed to the side. From street photography, sneaker photography, low light photography and just so much more and even showing professionals how crazy some concepts can get. It’s showing people your blurry shots can be amazing, your shot you were gonna toss away can be re worked into something artistic.

Q:

So Noisy Bokeh has made a community that didn't exist before, one that puts emphasis on the actual concepts behind photography. What I'm getting from
What you've told me is that, with the right work ethic and creativity, Noisy Bokeh is showing those in and out of its particular industry that no picture is truly a bad one. It's a community made for people who are underrepresented in their own industry and other industries as well.

Because to be honest, I feel as though everything thinks they're a professional photographer until they're thrust into the position of being one. It's an underrated craft, yet a critical one and I'm glad this collective has dedicated itself to supporting and educating those who specialize in it.

What is a typical day like for a photographer under Noisy Bokeh? Could you walk me through what what goes on in the day-to-day processes of a member?

A:

So Noisy Bokeh has made a community that didn't exist before, one that puts emphasis on the actual concepts behind photography. What I'm getting from
What you've told me is that, with the right work ethic and creativity, Noisy Bokeh is showing those in and out of its particular industry that no picture is truly a bad one. It's a community made for people who are underrepresented in their own industry and other industries as well.

I totally agree to this point, people are often told their photos aren’t good enough, and it’s that turns people away from photography, instead of expanding and seeing how they can improve some just give up. And the industry needs to calm down. What really makes anyone professional? Honestly there’s so many different style of photography, you can be a shit wedding photographer but an amazing sport or action photographer. So is there really a “professional photographer”

It's a little tough to tell what each photographer does day to day in our group, but our group provides a global network where individuals are able to:
- Express their work
- Receieve constructive criticism from other photography enthusiasts
- Network with other individuals to shoot together on new concepts
- Ask the community on gear recommendations and sample shots

Q:

Exactly. When dealing with mainstream inflows every single day, people think they know a good photographer when they see one and if you don't conform to that mold then you're automatically not good, which simply isn't the case, and this problem spans past photography as well into other industries. So Noisy's importance is simply solidified more in this day and age.

So this collective is really and truly a community and platform for upcoming photographers that just want guidance and friends they can shoot amazing pics with, share and learn, whilst expanding their own talents. That's something that not many people have realized is heavily needed. Especially with newcomers popping up left and right they need a healthy place to grow and develop.

My last question is what advice would you give to start-up photographer who just purchased his first camera and picked up the craft? We've spoken about the industry and how it heavily influences photographers to pursue only this and that. What would you, a Noisy Bokeh photographer pass on to this newcomer that may help him find his own way outside of mainstream influence?

A:

Hmm what advice would I give a new photographer. Don’t stop and be inspired, the one downfall a lot of photographers deal with is lack of inspiration, don’t let that get in your way. Also don’t overdo it and you’ll find yourself in a writers block with no sense of direction no inspiration and might eventually push you away and make you quit

Q:

Makes sense, and I'm sure this doesn't only go for photography, but for every craft that one decides to take up. Quitting is the easiest thing to do when things aren't going your way, but it has the worst long term effects in certain cases. Great advice.

That's all I have for you, man. Thanks for taking time out of your day to let me interview you.

------------------

NoisyBokeh is made up of the sum of its parts. It used the weaknesses it sees in its community and converted them into a collective strength, able to push forward through an atmosphere as inflated and subjective as the entertainment industry.

A link to the NoisyBokeh page will be featured below, as well as one for Sai Jung’s own. We’ll be promoting content from the page regularly from now on.

Interview with Selly Cisco

 Q: Where did the name come from?

A: So I re-branded as an artist called DeSo about a year ago, and that was just a play on my name, Daniel Selak. Selly is derived from my last name S-e-l-l-y. And Cisco actually came from my cat, who unfortunately passed away and the cat, everything about him was just very loving and he was just…. You could just feel the constant energy from him and he always radiated so much kindness and love. He always made me feel better so yeah. It had an offspring, so I decided to keep it and so I named it Cisco, as it means to me at least, loving and caring and kind. Being Selly is being loving and being kind.

Q: Who is Selly Cisco?

A: Well I was born in the middle of a genocide in Yugoslavia. So, I wanted to move here. I was raised through poverty and I went through a lot of hardship as a kid and that’s what I try to translate in my music. I want to be able to help people who have also been through similar situations, so everything that I write about is about my real life and all about the experiences that ivehad. A lot of my music is more down played, and I guess it’s sad. At least sadder than the norm. It’s all about the problems going on then. It’s all about how I am feeling at the time, but yeah, a lot of my music is focused on catering to other people and hopefully they can relate to the music do that they can get an understanding from it and feel something then that’s all I can really ask for.

I just want for them to feel something when they hear my music, not just bars on a beat.

Q: What do you have going on for projects right now?

Yeah so Buzz Lightyear was released a couple days ago on the first, then I had Can’t Talk released on December 2nd. Those two I had been working on for a while, playing around with auto-tune and stuff like that, so those singles were more so just to get them out there and to test the waters, see how people react to them. See the way that they liked them and see what I can do to sculpt it into what it can be and integrate it into my own personal style. A lot of it was experimentation as well you know. Before this it was a lot of bars over old school beats, and just rapping and learning how to do double time flows and getting punchlines in and stuff like that. Like I said earlier, I am trying to get people to feel something and really get the music instead of just hearing bars on beats, and that’s what I am really trying to look for right now.

Now I don’t want to go too into it, but I am in the process of working on a collaboration project. I can’t tell you who with, but I can tell you it will be out within the next couple months here.

Q: What is it like working with Zach Taylor ?

A: Well Zach is very focused on details, so if there is something that is not 110%, then its not gonna get dropped. He would rather push a release date than release something that he isn’t proud of. He doesn’t cut corners and he doesn’t leave until its perfect. He’s very rambunctious and very out there which is a blessing because so am I. Zach and I get along super well, and I mean not to mention he is my best friend. It’s not just a business connection, him and I genuinely have a great time and enjoy each other’s company, but we are both doing what we love so it doesn’t feel like we are working at all and stressing ourselves. At the end of the day, this is what we want to do, so having somebody that is like Zach compared to anybody else, in the city, is just a huge blessing.

Q: Save my soul is such an interestingly crafted song, what’s the story behind it?

A: Yeah so when it comes to Save My Soul, I actually wrote that song two days prior to dropping it. Same thing with Switch Up. So I dropped a surprise EP on my birthday called Popped Balloonsand I was going through a pretty bad depressive episode at the time and it was my birthday when I was dropping so I thought “Well the balloons popped!” I felt like I really needed to get those words out, especially after rebranding the Selly Cisco name and only having four songs out. A lot of my sanity comes from being able to drop music as I please, so when I was feeling this way, for the past couple days leading up to my birthday I felt like this was going to be the only way for me to lift that burden off of my chest. When it came to save my soul, I was trying to articulate my feelings properly.

Q: Favourite new album

A: My favourite album as of right now is Belly, I think Belly is one of the most slept on artists in the game purely for the bats and beat selection, cause so many songs just bang and have so much seriousness to them that people just don’t hear. I think he gets a rep that he doesn’t deserve and honestly, I would put him in my top 3. I also listen to a lot of Eden, who makes kindaunderground soul music, as well as Blackbear, I actually really like Blackbears singing voice. He knows how to articulate himself in the music properly and he doesn’t hold back.

Q:Last words?  Anything you wanna say to your fans?

A: If I have to say anything, first and foremost, it is thank you. There is nothing that I could be able to do without you guys supporting me and listening to my music and telling me to keep striving towards the betterment of myself. Letting me know what I can work on. It doesn’t matter to me if its 10 people or 100 people, as long as I can help somebody with their everyday struggles through my music

Zach Taylor

Q:

Who is Zach Taylor?

A:

Hmm, Zach Taylor. Im a twenty one year old, alternative trap recording artist (The short is Alt trap) Born and raised in Calgary, the Northeast side. I been here my whole life, making music with my best friend and my “brotha-from-anotha-motha”, Alex Slade, that’s my main guy.

We’ve been working together for like two years, so this project is the accumulation of just the two years of our friendship and the two years of our business together.

Q:

Describe your sound and what influences it. What type of music were you brought up on?

A:

Well I didn’t really grow up on hip hop, I first listened to hip hop when I was twelve years old there as a lot of blues, rock and roll, and alt rock. Honestly I cant really remember a lot of the bands or the guys names that my dad listened to a lot. A lot of inspiration from like people nowadays like John Legend, or 6lack who is really good in the RnB scene and tries to incorporate that in there. A lot of Stevie Wonder man, those kind of vibes are like so unique and something that we really wanted to tap into.

Within the technical term, of calling it Alt trap, to get down to the definition of it, we are combining sub genres with trap elements and rap lyrics. So it’s not technically hip hop music, its rap music, but its on a completely different scale. Like we are using EDM, jazz, all these different types of musical genres, and even taking the sub genres within those and breaking them down.

An example is that we are taking soul trap and mixing it with lounge music instead of using 808s. Its an experiment, its not called a project because that’s not what it is. I wanna call them trials. Instead of an album I like to think of it as like fifteen trials of an experiment.

Q:

How did Underdog start?

A:

Yeah man so we are currently in the den right now. We are in a studio session with one of our artists, Niyi. Underdog was founded in 2016 by me and another artist named Sell Cisco and we went off with another artist who lives in southern Alberta, actually lives in Taber (For those who aren’t from Calgary this is where we get a lot of our corn during the summer) so he used to come up to the city and outsource projects through us and about a year in we both went our own ways and we were just trying to figure out what we were gonna do with the company.

Around then we were about ready to let it go and go do some solo work, but I started to meet member from this group called SAVI Gang and I met VARS last August. I started talking to him and two other artists that we were trying to sign, we were working on extreme legal level and just wanted to make sure that payouts were proper and that everything that everybody was doing was on a contract basis, and then they all got denied.

That was a hard blow and we ended up kind of wondering what we were gonna do.

Around this time I started developing a personal relationship with VARS and I wanted to get him on a contract. He couldn’t do it at the time sadly, so I reached out to another member of SAVI gang name Yung Cazzy and asked him if he would wanna do a feature since I thought he was a really good artist and I loved his music.

Then my girl brought me out to a movie one night and I met the third member of SAVI gang, who was Niyi, and that he was part of this group. I thought it was kinda crazy that I was meeting the members of this group individually, on their own personal accounts. So I think around that time I hit up VARS for another feature which was the experiment that just came out, I asked him to come to the studio.

So they all just came in, let me see what they were working on and it turns out that they had all of this written material that they had no way of putting out.

SAVI gang and I really just clicked, it was a natural thing where there was just natural chemistry. It just happened where we started working without communicating it like it was a contract.

So within like a month we formed together and so now we are all working on artist development and everyone currently has a project in their hands, and we are trying to get a tangible product into peoples hands now. My one that just released is the first of 4 that will be dropping between now and January.

Q:

Any last words?

A:

Go follow Nefarious Supply! They the mad plug, mad love out to them man. First real outlet that’s been serious with us in getting our shit out. On god bro, I aint ever seen a promoting company that operates the way that you guys do, constantly showing love, being super cooperative and everything. By far the best company I have worked with so far into my career.

VARS Interview

Interview with VARS

Q: Current stance on hip hop in general? The Sound Cloud scene?

V: You know it’s a very different when you look as like the global hip hop scene, where 10, 20

years ago nobody was talking about hip hop as much, it was more of an underground thing. And

now it’s not only mainstream, but it’s what these kids are going to. You know you ask people

what their favorite kind of music is when I was second grade and it would be all different types

of genre’s and now everybody is on the hip-hop scene with people like Lil Pump and Tekashi

6ix9ine. I think that the whole state with the Sound Cloud rappers is that rap was developed as

getting the truth out, you know like hip hop was made to allow artists to talk from their souls,

and to talk as who you are, not trying to put on a face which is what lots of artists in our field

are doing now. I respect the craft that they do because they are studying what is popping off

right now and hoping on that. Some artists that emerged from that, that stand out to me are

people like Juice Wrld, Kid Buu

W: I think it’s a good medium for artists to start, and get their stuff out there, but the biggest

thing is where do we draw the line?

V: That’s the thing, you can get some of the highest quality stuff from Sound Cloud, that’s been

mixed and mastered, to some guy recording on his podcast mic in his basement. That’s the

freedom of Sound Cloud and its pretty cool that it creates a community but the timing to be an

artist is weird. If everybody used it then there wouldn’t be this predisposition towards sound

cloud rappers. Since it is a streaming service, we aren’t selling physical copies, people are

relying on their streaming services like Apple Music, and Spotify. It’s a very different time to be

making money in this industry.

Q: With being an up and coming rapper, what struggles are you facing in this industry? How are you adapting to the changing scene?

V: Yeah that’s a big question, choosing to go on sites like Spotify, because I am hearing so much

about like artists that will sell a ton of copies like physical ones, and get tons of streams, but the

numbers are so massively different. If get 2 million streams on a song it’s great for creating

hype around you, but if you only sell ten thousand copies of physical disks and get 3 thousand

dollars for a year of being in the industry, its weak as fuck. These streaming services really are

not beneficial for revenue of the artist. These streaming services are aimed towards the

consumer and giving the consumer quick access to the content, which has created some

garbage content .This change has changed everything, you know me growing up thinking I was

going to be a rapper made me really think that I have to study this, and break down rhyme

schemes and patterns and words and everything, then all of a sudden it was all of this dumbed

down shit that just goes on and on. So I have to turn around and try to adjust to this style

because of the changing scene, or do I keep going with the style that have already.

Q: Can you tell us about some of your upcoming projects? 

V: So my little collective group SAVI have a couple great artists, and have some great projects

out already. I’m working on getting my first project out and it should be out by early December.

 The song will have a visual with Zach Taylor coming out pretty soon so keep an eye out for that.

Then in early December we should be expecting my debut solo project and it will be called “The

Alpha Omega”.

Q: Okay perfect. What type of album should we expect it to be?

V: It’s really just everything that I haven’t gotten out yet, like it’s the concept that I’ve had stuck

in my head for so long. It’s everything that I have written up to this point and that I thought

could fit well. We are revisiting “stay frosty” because the best was not our own and we wanted

to re-do it.  The project will be on all streaming services and will be available to all! It’s an

album that I am dedicating to my buddy who passed away, we were supposed to get matching

tattoos, Alpha and Omega, which he went through with and I didn’t. So this is my way of

catching up there. I think it’s gonna be a killer first album, even I am impressed with how well it

turned out. I needed it to be perfect and come out the way I wanted it. And the underdog team

with the quality and amount of time they put into this, it’s insane. The understanding towards

the craft and the artist is honestly insane. I could not have done it without them, and I wouldn’t

have had better quality if I went with anybody else. At this point all we are waiting on is artwork

for the album, once we have all of that then we are ready to go.  

Q: Who is VARS? What inspired you to get into music? 

V: Yeah so growing up there wasn’t a lot of hip hop, it was all mainly classic rock. Bands like the

Tragically Hip were a household name, you know I actually have analyzed Gord Downey’s lyrics

and have tried to figure out what exactly was the thing that made him write in a way that was

so relatable, that was so cool. My dad as well was very analytical with music you know, he was

a drummer for a band and he also did a lot of the singing. You know he never had any trouble

with music, you ask anybody from around there and it’s like “oh yeah your dad can play.” He

hears every instrument and hears every note that is played, which is where I think I got it from.

It started at a very young age so by the time I noticed it was too late to back out, so yeah. I

never formally learned music, like I never knew what a bar was or a chord, but I understood the

concept and could feel it. I entirely contribute that to my dad. When I started music, the words

were my drum. I could hit time well and put syllables on beat and make cool rhythms because

of it. Tech 9ine was one of my inspirations for my style, because he could hit the beat in such a

way that captured my attention. I remember learning Tech 9ine songs in English class instead of

studying you know. I just couldn’t stop listening to it, pulling it apart, analyzing, and learning it.

Another name I can think of, which is more of an underground one is this one guy named

Noveliss who is part of Clear Soul Forces and some of the rhymes he says, if not a majority are a

reference to Naruto. Plus, the words that he uses, the way he bounces over the flow and stuff,

it’s just unbelievable. I’ve never been comfortable and Noveliss showed me through his music

how to be comfortable. The people that inspire me are the people who are naturally

comfortable on the mic, and just exist on stage without showing weakness through the way

they say a line. An artist should make you think that if anybody else said that line that it just

wouldn’t sound the same. You have to make a character out of yourself so that people look at

you and become interested. I try to learn from people who express themselves just off of what

they are. Just being themselves in their music, I just gotta find my lane and jump into it.  

Q: Finally, do you have anything that you want to get across to your followers to help them

understand who you are? 

V: Yeah you know I’m just doing this so I can prove that I can do it. Probably one of the times

that I really decided, you know it took me a long time to come up with the name Vars. Like I

went through every name that I came up with, but I always wanted to do something that had to

do with my actual name, Jacob Vars. For a while I tried to go by JaVa which is the first two

letters of both names. People started asking me why, like if I looked coffee a lot or something,

but I don’t even drink coffee. Trying to create my own image has always been a problem, like in

grade seven it was never an idea that rap was going to be the thing for me. Sure I listened to

Eminem and Tech9ine but it wasn’t my image. But these kids were doing little rap battles,

going back and forth, and I knew a couple of them and they would tell me to get up in it.

Nobody believed that I could do it, that I should just stay back and watch. I don’t really know

how it happened but one day I got put into one by a buddy and it was confirmed for that day

after school outside of the 7-11 and that we would just run it. So I started thinking about small

lines, and how I could put shit together. I was so scared because I had never showed anybody

this side before. I think I wrote 8 bars for that battle, just a short little verse and the other guy

didn’t prepare at all, I think he only rhymed one word. After, everybody was so amazed by the

little 8 bars that I had written, that some kid who hadn’t spit publicly before could kill it the way

did. So after that I started writing. 

V: If I’m trying to explain what VARS is, it would be that there is no stopping you, that if there is

something that you wanna do, that you’re not gonna stop till it’s done. If there is a song that’s

bugging me, I’ll sit there for hours on that one line trying to fix it. I won’t eat, I won’t move from

it. I will end up working on it until it’s been redone perfectly. “The Alpha Omega” is not just an

album, it’s me. I feel like once people listen to it, people are going to get a much better

understanding of who I am. To explain who VARS is in one sentence is a tough question. It’s just

my name. 

“I’m just trying to do this man”

This month and over the next couple months VARS is going to be releasing projects and

singles under the Underdog Empire label. We here at Nefarious Supply are very excited to see

where this artist takes his career. Please check

Nifemi Akande, Fashion’s Genuine Entrant

Nifemi Akande, known professionally as styledbyniffs, is a modern-day fashion entrepreneur, aiming to spread her message of uniqueness and authenticity through the styles she invents for her followers.

Below is an interview detailing the experiences and lessons in the fashion industry that the Akande was willing to divulge with us.

Take a look:

Q:

First question. What was the inspiration for starting this endeavor? Anyone or anything play a part in the concept of styledbyniffs?

A:

Okay so, this January I decided that since I was turning 18 this year I wanted to start something new, and finally turn my love for hair and fashion into something that others could see.

I originally wanted to start YouTube, but lack of equipment etc hindered that. I’ve always loved fashion and hair and I wanted to be able to have something to show for it.

My siblings really encouraged me and there are quite a few social media influencers that inspired me to start.

Q:

That's great. Pursuing a dream takes more courage than most people would like to admit and the fact that your siblings were able to give you that push attests to their faith in your ability to bring something new and fresh to the table.

How many looks, to date, have you constructed for your followers, and how many planned looks do you have in store for them?

A:

I’ve done about 21 looks, and I plan on doing a winter lookbook very soon. I also want to style other people because I believe that what I wear myself does not necessarily express my sense of style to the fullest. I’m super excited to start YouTube next year and can’t wait to be able to show people the process from how I shop, to where I get the best deals, and the thought process that goes into picking fits and also more in-depth hair tutorials.

Q:

That's great honestly. Having many promising endeavors in hand and ready to go is always a good thing, especially when growing and catering to your fanbase is one of the main concerns. What advice would you give to someone starting up this way in the fashion industry?

A:

Well, the advice I would give (and also take myself) is to be yourself and express your sense of style in the way you think is best. Consistency is key, and most of all believe and be confident in yourself.

Q:

Yeah, that's sound advice honestly. Staying true to what you want to do instead of conforming to the norms of the atmosphere where your road of business lies is extremely crucial, in all situations. Self-confidence and consistency are also very critical.

What do you think are the most important qualities someone in this type of work should have, work wise and morally?

Also, who do you consider your biggest influence and inspiration?

A:

I believe that anyone in fashion has to be emotionally stable and confident in their work because people will always critique your work.

Being hardworking and also being honest and not stealing other people’s work.

Originality is key!

Pinpointing one specific inspiration would be hard but @manny_thegoat really inspires me to be myself and I really admire his fashion sense.

Q:

Staying true to yourself has gotten harder to do in this day and age, especially for content creators such as yourself. It's good that you've grounded yourself in that type of mindset and are able to utilize that in your craft.

This guy's fashion sense is amazing too. That's great.

Final question.

What skill do you think sets you apart from others in your line of work? Is there anything that your brand is trying to do differently from the rest?

A:

Okay so, I think a skill I have that differentiates me from others, is my personal flair and drive to be myself and not just follow all the fashion trends, but be confident in what I like no matter what society deems “cool” or in style.

I want my brand to promote the beauty in being yourself.

Q:

That's what most people never end up doing, striking out on their own and becoming their own person within the industry. You usually see the same stuff under a different name, which is fine, but it doesn't set you apart.

What you plan to introduce into that type of atmosphere will push the envelope, and that's what's needed.

Thanks for letting me interview you, sis haha. Anything you want us to promote in the now besides the brand as a whole? Any tutorials or vlogs?

A:

Thank you so much for interviewing me! It was my first. Well, I am currently working on a winter lookbook so that’s all for now. 

Akande then stated for us to stay tuned for future projects, so you can expect regular updates. Y’all 

PRIMITIVE 21, the New Generation of Coordinators

In this day and age people have been coming up creative and unique ways to get their name out there, through music, videography, makeup, vlogging, there are many outlets for upcoming creators to make their mark.

However, with these outlets comes competition, unrelenting and climacteric to the success or failure within the entertainment industry.

In spite of that, one particular group has managed to rise above the noise of their competitors, taking their talents and merging them into quite a force to be reckoned with.

As I talk to David Bulla, the co-founder of Primitive 21, a deeper insight as to the inner workings and mindsets of this generation’s top event coordinators is revealed.

Check out the interview below:

Q:

The first question is how did this collective originate? What were the roots that brought you guys together to make this concept an actual thing?

A:

Primitive 21 is a group of talented young men striving to build a society that exerts inspiration in the entertainment industry amongst millennials within fields of entertainment such as entertainers, DJs, hosts, comedians, and more.

We are an original entertainment conglomerate who curate events that not only bring the community together, but we curate events that allow us to use our executive talents in order to provide exposure to other unique and original creatives and entrepreneurs.

We first started off by being thrown in a big group chat not really aware of who was who then one guy in the chat wanted to do an event but upperclassmen weren’t taking him seriously so we decided to help him accomplish this event ourselves.

That event was our first talent showcase. We decided to make this group of individuals into an actual thing because we realized we could accomplish a lot together. One of the guys in the group came up with the name primitive and since we were the class of 2021 we simply made it Primitive 21.

Q:

That's honestly quite inspiring to hear. It doesn't take much to help someone out and in doing so, you guys were able to construct something even more successful out of it.

If you could, describe a typical day of a person in your position within the company.

A:

A typical day would usually consist of multiple meetings. It could be for planning events months in advance, meeting owners of clubs/venues, booking clubs/venues, and discussing funds and finances.

It also consists of promoting for different events whether it be through social media or handing out physical flyers. Also keep in mind that we also have to balance out school, social life, and other extracurricular activities.

Sounds like a very packed schedule. A lot of background work needs to be put in place for events of this size to work as well as they do without too many of any problems at all.

Add in school and it's a good bit to juggle, but you guys seem to have a good handle on how to balance between the two.

Q:

Very nice. Any other forms of advice to give those who want to maybe start up in this type of business endeavor?

Also, any upcoming events that we should look out for and promote for you guys?

A:

That about sums it up tbh and as of rn nothing that major but we do have a party, December 1st.

Q:

Alright, good. Nice to see a closer perspective of Primitive 21. Thanks for the time.

A:

No problem at all and thank you in return.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Primitive 21 continues to incorporate the strength of the sum of its parts, using everyone’s individual skills to bring about inventive ideas within the community they’re in.

We’ll be keeping a lookout and updating you with more events that the collective organizes. Check out their Carribean College Rave, December 1st.

Don’t miss it!

Vars

Usually we post local artists from the DMV, but we try to incorporate artists from the places we

are based. Those being the DMV ( DC, Maryland, and Virginia) and YYC or The 403 ( Calgary,

Alberta)

VARS is an up and coming rapper representing YYC. He has been dropping hot freestyles at

clubs like Commonwealth, posting on his Facebook with some new fresh material, and has been

linking up with different artists in the local area to make some fire tracks.

Among his new tracks is the single “On Rock” featuring Xtactic. The single features a more

underground trap sound than we are used to from VARS, but is a good sound nonetheless. The

song is a good vibe song, not your typical banger that you expect of the new phase of rappers.

Recently VARS was featured by local talent Zach Taylor in the single “Big Facts” where he

absolutely kills it. The song is up beat and sports a distorted guitar as a leading sound, which we

haven’t seen in the scene in a while.

All of VARS’ flows in his singles, features, and freestyles make you bob your head and vibe.

There is no doubt that VARS is one of the most talented up and coming rappers in the Calgary

area, and we here at Nefarious Supply are excited to see where he takes his creative genius

next, as well as watch his career take off.

R.A.E.

R.A.E. aka “Real and Explicit”, (born on October 7, 1997), is an up and coming female rapper/singer/songwriter/ producer hailing from the DMV but currently resides in Maryland. R.A.E began her music career in the winter of 2016 recording her first song by doing a remix to the infamous single, “Panda”, by Desiigner and it was there where her career took off. Her debut single, “Flexxin”, when she was formally known as Blu Rae, was released December 2017 and became the new bop within the streets of the DMV. R.A.E. has performed at venues such as house parties, twice at Red Lounge, twice at Halftime Bar, two shows sponsored by Afton Shows (Eden Lounge and The Depot), and participating in her college’s annual cypher. While she was known as Blu Rae, she had been featured on HipHopOverload as the artist of the week. R.A.E. is currently working on building her clothing line, building her modeling portfolio, working on her first mixtape titled “It’s All In The Name,” and lastly, planning her first state to state tour for her first project for the summer. We are expecting big things from the 21 year old artist in the next few years coming.

Moonlight, Newcomer Marquel’s Ode to the Heart

Moonlight, the new single from DMV native, Marquel, has been released recently. The somber yet smooth track swims with beautiful production and equally impacting vocals from the now Philly-based artist.

In the interview below, Marquel and I talk about what drove him to pursue his career and what keeps him on track today, take a look:

Q:

Alright, so how did you come across your passion for music?

A:

It’s actually crazy. I’ve always loved it, it was just never realistic to me to be doing music. So I actually stopped singing. Then one day while I was in the shower I was trying to sing Bruno Mars’ Grenade and I just couldn’t get the notes.

So I started panicking in the shower and literally started to tear up. Then I realized it’s all I wanted and I hated myself for stopping because I had been so good at it. So I worked secretly for a year on my craft and getting my voice back.

Q:

That's crazy. That's how you know some part of you is made for this, you know? That type of drive isn't something you find every day. That's amazing, and it's obviously paid off.

But what exactly drove you to write Moonlight? Any backstory on that?

A:

Yeah, I was in LA and sitting in my crib tryna write, so this melody just came to me and it was the lyrical melody for Moonlight. So then the lyrics came to me while I was thinking of this girl back home. I love women bro but some of them be off it haha.

And I’m just now getting into my craft and growing to be my best self, so that’s why I included that part at the end about how I’m changing so if you want me stop playing. I honestly have no time for negativity or games.

And thank you.

Q:

No problem. Sometimes you can only align yourself with people who take their craft as seriously as you do. In all actuality, those should be the only people you mess with. This is it, man. You're gonna be big.

Is there any new music or projects on the way that we should be on the lookout for? And you're from the DMV, I know that. But should I say you're an LA-based artist?

A:

So I do have a collab coming out with a dope artist named Ori, and plan on releasing my EP really soon, and nah bro. You can say DMV/Philly artist. I started my career here in Philly, but I’ve always been writing and singing when I was back home.

~~~~~~~

Marquel seamlessly trades between vulnerable and resolute in the somber 2 minutes and 22 seconds of Moonlight’s playtime.

With promises of new projects on the way and a sound not many have the gift of achieving, the R&B artist has indeed taken an earnest step into the world of music.

Moonlight is now out on all iTunes.

Stream it now.