Another spotlight for you all...and more on the way! I tweeted earlier today that doing spotlights is probably my favorite part of blogging. I get the chance to be able to connect with other people and share their work and stories, and that's really special to me. As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, producer, designer, etc., please refer to our Features/Submissions page for more info!

Today, on The Spotlight, we have hip hop artist Ridock King! Ridock began writing music at the age of 9, inspired by artists like LL Cool Jand Tupac. “They created music that reached your soul and could also stimulate your mind to help you think more critically about life in general,” he explained. Growing up in Philadelphia, he admitted “many of the ‘street horror’ stories were not unusual to see.” However, he also began to educate himself and connect with other scholars and professionals, which he says gave him great balance. Ridock effortlessly uses a great blend of all of his experiences to create his current sound and lyrics.

Ridock began recording music for fun in 2003 with his cousin in a friend’s basement. However, it wasn’t until 2011 that he began to take his craft seriously.  Also influenced by Public Enemy, Nas, and Lupe Fiasco, Ridock released his projects Dreamy U.N.conscious and the Ridock King EP in 2013 and 2014 respectively. Speaking out a variety of topics, he strives to create music that can inspire and motivate other people. “I have experienced so much in life I have learned many things and I feel like music, particularly hip hop can be that conduit to not only tell my story but to help encourage others to tell theirs,” the artist said. 

Ridock is currently working on his upcoming project S.A.F.E. Combination, which is set to released in April of this year. This EP is a “three-headed concept,” which Ridock explained further in detail. “Safe combination could mean a “safe” combination of songs (conscious, party, urban tales, and relationships. A second concept is the ability to finally crack the combination to the safe that will open doors financially,” he said. “The third and final piece of the concept is the acronym S.A.F.E. standing for a very motivational idea that, in order for you to reach any level of success, you must have a combination of these four things: S = Sacrifice A = Ambition F = A serious will to obtain true Freedom [and] E = always striving for Excellence.” Connecting with a few producers from Philly like Stashbokz, Pace-O, and Taji Aqib, as well as singer/songwriter Belle and Ghingy “Songbird” Miles.

In terms of what sets him apart from other artists out right now, Ridock listed examples of what makes him stand out. “I would definitely have to say my vision, my work ethic, my innovative skills, my life experience, and my ability to always remember what my purpose and mission is without compromising my art for temporary gain,” he said. In the future, his goal is to have security and freedom in his career. “I would like to be very financially well-off with total control of my art and career with very solid business relationships formed with companies and organizations that are dedicated and passionate about helping the black community,” Ridock stated.        

Be sure to check out more from Ridock on his official website and SoundCloud, and connect with him on Twitter and Instagram.

4:28:00 PM

I really do love featuring the up and coming and hearing their stories! As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc, please contact us (refer to our Features/Submissions page for more info!).

Today, on The Spotlight, we have alternative pop/R&B singer Ash! A few weeks back, I featured her song "Perfect" on the blog, which is getting a lot of great feedback from listeners. Of course, I wanted to interview this great upcoming artist, and share her story here!

Ash grew up in a creative home, and actually starting singing around the age of three. She wrote songs basically all of her life, but, after graduating from Spelman, decided to actually work for the government, just like her mom. "Once I started working in the public sector, I realized that I needed to stop working in the public sector and pursue my dreams," she chuckled. The singer saved up money, and began working as a background vocalist.


Ash has sang background for a variety of different gospel artists, including Karen Clark Sheard, at church conferences, and also did background vocals on music from Tyler Perry's film I Can Do Bad All By Myself. Now the artist sings background for the Electric Lady herself, Janelle Monae, which she calls an amazing experience. "The band is composed of really, really cool creative people. Everyone is like a jack of all trades. It's really, really fun," Ash said. "[Janelle's a gem and [has] lots of great energy, [and] lots of poise. And many of us went to college together so it's really cool working with friends."

Inspired by artists like Chaka Khan, Erykah Badu, and Steve Perry from Journey, Ash is branching out on her own to create her music, her way, and to let her voice be heard. When asked what prompted her to step out as a solo artist, the singer stated it was the time to do. "I've completed my education, I've had experience working in the real world. I've had experience traveling with an amazing artist, and I've gained so much insight," Ash said. Now is the time for her to give herself a voice and put out a project and see if people can relate to what she has to say. "You just go for it," the singer admitted. "You don't know how it's going to turn out, but you just kind of have to try."

Her single "Perfect," as I said in my previous post, is a bright, fun alternative-pop track that is a great debut. It was really about my dad [who recently passed away]," Ash revealed. When her parents divorced, she grew up thinking certain things and being mad at some situations, but as she grew older, realized that any issues with her father didn't matter. "My father and I were very close. [I realized] I didn't need him to be some of the things I don't think he was for me as a kid, but I appreciated all of the other jewels he offered me over the past few years," the singer said. "Because of that, I realized that he was actually perfect after all."


"Perfect" is the lead single off of Ash's upcoming project, The Perfect EP, which is set to be released on February 10, 2015! The singer said listeners can expect "some fun, honest, relatable music," which I'm excited about! "I can't wait to hear what everyone else's thoughts are, but just get ready to have a good time, smile, and be cool because that's definitely the energy that's in that project," Ash said. She is working with producer Terrence Brown on the EP, writing and creating music for the project, so definitely be sure to watch out for that!

What I loved about talking with Ash is her positive, laid back vibe, and the fact that she's confident in herself. "I'm just comfortable being Ash. Doing my own hair, putting on my own clothes out of my closet," she said. "I'm really just going to be myself, and write from my heart. Nowadays, it's hard because you want people to accept you, and you want be the next Beyoncé or even Janelle Monae, but I'm very comfortable in my own skin. That's what I look forward to offering to the music industry, the whole me." In terms of her future in music, the singer has a few specific goals that she would like to accomplish. "I would like to win a Grammy one day," she laughed. "I want to be able to travel all over the world, and sing and play for people who want to listen." She also wants youth to know that even if you go to college or become a part of other ventures, you can still be creative and dive into music or other artistic moves. And, for Ash, even if the awards and major performances don't come, just to be able to sing and perform is what she's looking forward to most!

Be on the lookout for Ash's debut EP, The Perfect EP, on February 10, 2015 (purchase can purchase "Perfect" on iTunes now)! You can also listen to more from Ash on SoundCloud, as well connect with her on Twitter and Instagram. 

11:25:00 AM

Another great spotlight for you all! As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc, please contact us (refer to our Features/Submissions page for more info!).

Today on The Spotlight, we have pop-R&B singer Kendra J! Kendra began singing at the age of five when she sang karaoke for the first time. Around the age of seven, she began singing on the children’s choir at church. “I knew music was something I wanted to pursue in elementary school,” Kendra admitted. “I loved singing for different ceremonies and assemblies. It made me so happy and I knew then because of the feeling of completion and peace that I experienced in those times that singing was what I wanted to do.”


Being from Washington, D.C., Kendra was inspired to be honest and in touch with her emotions, especially when it came to her music. “I didn't have the ideal childhood but I learned to adapt and I started expressing myself with my words. My words were my escape and they still are,” the singer said. “My music/lyrics are definitely a reflection of me. It's my soul that you hear when you hear one of my songs.” Inspired by artists like Amy Winehouse (who inspired her to push the limits as a songwriter) and Guns N’ Roses (who made her fall in love with rock music), Kendra’s musical tastes are very eclectic. It’s great to love a variety of genres, especially for an artist to use those inspirations in his or her own music.



Currently, the singer is working on putting together a great EP for listeners. It’s still in the beginning stages, but Kendra is taking her time to create a project that everyone will love. “I'm trying to make sure the songs and the music as a whole are on point,” she said. “I'm doing something totally different and unexpected and because of that I don't want to rush anything. Once it's done I know the world will love the movement.”

In terms of what sets her apart from the pack, Kendra believes it’s her honest lyrics and sound that makes her stand out. “I believe in my craft and the artistry so it’s bound to be a success,” she said. In the future, she would love to take home a few Grammys, travel the world and sell out shows. “However, most importantly I want to have had inspired people to go after whatever it is they dream of doing, no matter how big or small it may seem,” Kendra admitted. “I aspire to inspire because that's what's in my heart to do.”

You can visit Kendra’s official website and listen to more of her music on SoundCloud. You can also connect with her on Instagram and Twitter!

10:35:00 AM

Today on The Spotlight, we have Australian artist Tim Wheatley! Born in Melbourne, Australia, he grew up in a family that was involved in music in one way or another. “My old man was a musician, and there was never a shortage of instruments lying around the house to kill some time on,” Tim said. Growing up in Australia, he always thought that the music had “quite a unique sound.” “Why that is I’m not exactly certain,” Tim said. “But I think it has a lot to do with the tyranny of distance. We take the music from places like the US and other parts of the world and put our own spin on it.”

The singer went on to form his own band in high school called The Sparrows, which signed with Sony a few years out of school. The band had gigs around Australia, the UK, and the States and was doing quite well. However, Tim and the lead singer Michael Badger, began moving in different musical and creative directions, and Tim left the group.

Inspired by artists like Jackson Browne, Tom Waits, John Hiatt, Paul Kelly and Guy Clark, Tim went on to create another band called Crooked Saint. “I wrote a song called ‘Crooked Saint’ loosely based around my grandfather. He fought in WWII and was quite decorated, however he was also known for being quite mischievous,” the singer said. “I wasn’t sure if I was going to be playing solo or in a band, but the project needed a name and I thought ‘Crooked Saint’ can be both. The line up consists of Michael Badger (guitars/bass…and coincidentally enough the lead singer of Tim’s old group!), along with Johnny Grant (guitar) and Troy Ramaekers (drums).

Together, the group came together to record the Crooked Saint EP, which was produced by Niko Bolas, who has worked with the likes of Neil Young, Johnny Cash, and Warren Zevon. The first single from the EP, “Burning the Midnight Oil,” is a track that definitely has an inspirational point for listeners. “It’s basically about doing what is necessary to get to where you want to be,” Tim said of the song. Check out the video for the song below!


You can check out more from Tim Wheatley and Crooked Saint on their official website, as well as Facebook and Twitter. Also be sure to check out their YouTube and SoundCloud channels!

7:48:00 AM

Hailing from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Krista Gonzales, known professionally as Graph Gonzales, became interested in music as a teenager, listening to hip hop and eventually recorded herself for fun. “It was probably what I spent most of my time doing as an individual, writing verses and recording them,” Graph said. “It was kind of a natural thing that happened.” The city of Toronto, Graph noted, has a very eclectic sound that she’s really inspired by, including great alternative and avant-garde rock music that influenced her sound a bit.

As a teen, she had a little nickname that a friend gave her—“Graph,” because her voice was “thin and airy, like spray pain coming out of a can,” she joked. However, that’s what she eventually went by professionally, adding on her last name Gonzales, after a suggestion by Pharrell Williams later on in life. Graph began working with various groups in Toronto and New York, building up experience by consistently working in the studio. Through hard work, she has collaborated with Pharrell and Chad Hugo of the Neptunes, Talib Kweli, Clipse, and more, just to name a few.
Now Graph has branched off on her own, developing her own music, which blends pop, rock, and rap. Her most recent track is the hot and bold “Heartbreaker!” The song was inspired by fellow Canadian artist Feist’s “I Feel It All, which has a line that Graph herself really connected to—“I’ll be the one to break my heart / I’ll be the one to hold the gun.” “That became a model for me in my life when I heard that song and that lyric,” she said. “That’s the way I want to live. That’s the way I want to love. I’ll be the one to break my heart. No one else.” The song, while still fun and upbeat, is also very bold and comes from a feministic approach, purposely done by Graph. Many times a “heartbreaker,” is seen as being a guy hurting a girl, but she wanted to do it from a female perspective. Check out the video for the song below!

Just from speaking with her, I see Graph truly has a strong vision for her music and career, and has a bright future ahead of her. Currently, she’s in the studio, constantly working on music, though keeping her plans on the low for now. I’m excited to see what new projects she brings to the table!

You can check out more of her music on SoundCloud and YouTube, and connect with her on Twitter and Instagram!

6:35:00 AM

More spotlights to come as we end the summer (is it me or has Summer 2014 FLOWN by?)! Today on The Spotlight, we have Villainettes, hailing from Melbourne, Australia (one of my favorite places in the world, for good reason! Check out my somewhat embarrassing yet fun blog on my experience a few years back).

The band recently came together in 2013, said to be born “amidst the ashes of three totally diverse bands.” Through friendships and professional connections, Villainettes were born! Vocalist and guitarist Michael Lindquist had begun to write, focused on some of his own personal life events, which helped to shape the band and their sound.



Michael soon partnered with friend and guitarist, Jonathan Reisacher, to develop and record a few demo at Red Door Sounds, with producer and friend Paul “Woody” Annison, where the first EP was recorded. The line up was completed after Francis White joined the band on drums (Michael and Francis had played together previously), and Joshua Dawes joined on bass (Michael had met Joshua at the studio while Joshua was recording with another band). “The desire to want to play together came from not so much like minded tastes in music but in likeminded minds in wanting to achieve a collaborative distinct sound we are all proud of,” the band said in our interview.

The Villainettes’ sound has been described as “dark, erotic pop,” somewhat strange and gloomy, but yet still full of life and liveliness. Overall, these members have managed to come together and create a sound for themselves that works for them. Hailing from Melbourne, the band definitely is in the midst of a heavy musical culture. “The music scene here is very diverse, but holds quiet true to a very European influence,” they said.

Currently, the band is putting their finishing touches on their self-titled EP, which is set to be released in full later this year. Some of the music is available now on SoundCloud and Spotify, so be sure to check that out! You can also watch their music video for acclaimed track, “Diamonds,” directed by Bianca Miliani, below!



In addition to their EP, the band is consistently writing and recording new music to build a debut album, as well as touring throughout Australia, with plans to hit the States towards the end of the year! In the future, the Villainettes hope to “be bigger than the Beatles,” but, most importantly, to have their music hit a global scale, while still maintaining creative control and artistic integrity.

You can get more info about the Villainettes on their official website, as well as connect with them on Facebook and Twitter!

7:40:00 AM

Keeping up with my goal of at least one spotlight a week (no matter what day it falls on *smiles*)! Still looking for great writers & bloggers as well to develop more content for the site, so email me at BrittanyShawnte@gmail.com for more information! 

Today, on The Spotlight, we have rock/alternative band Buffalo Sunn! Based in Dublin, Ireland, the group utlilizes retro 60s sounds as well as modern day beats to make up their unique sound. Four of the band’s members are actually brothers (the Paxton brothers--Daniel, who serves as songwriter, guitarist, and lead vocalist, Neil, who plays the keys, guitar and delivers backing vocals, Conor on keys and guitar and Ruairi on bass). The other two members (“honorary members of the Paxton clan) are Donagh O’Brien who plays drums, and Patrick McHugh who sings and plays guitar. The Paxton brothers themselves were sent to learn piano at an early age. “We hated it at the time because we had to go every Friday straight from school,” Daniel, who served as spokesman in this interview, recalled. “So while everyone was off for the weekend playing, we had to go to lessons!” However, after a few years, the brothers got the hang of piano and picked up guitar quite easily as well, becoming true musicians at just 12, 13 years old!

When the band officially formed, they first went by Sweet Jane, releasing their album Sugar For My Soul along with several EPs together. In October 2013, they officially changed their name to Buffalo Sunn, with the idea coming from knowledge of Native American tribes and their hunting yet respect of the buffalo. “They hunted the buffalo in a way that they got everything they needed from the animal like food, cloth, [and] tools,” Daniel said. “It was the center of their [lives], and a very scared animal as they respected it. [It] was never over hunted [by them].” The second part of their name, “Sunn,” stemmed from the sun which gives crops and heat. The band added the second “n,” taking from the vintage amp company, Sunn.

When it comes to their music, Buffalo Sunn takes inspiration from a variety of different artists like the Beach Boys, CSNY, and ABBA. “I think when it comes to our sound, the music that would inspire us is a lot of bands using harmonies,” Daniel said. “I’m a sucker for good harmonies.” The band’s latest track, “By Your Side,” is taken from their upcoming debut album, By The Ocean, which is set to be released later this year. The mid-tempo track produced by Grammy award winning producer Pat McCarthy, can be seen from a standard relationship or friendship point of view, being there for someone through it all. Daniel says was made “to evoke an emotion from the listener,” which, if you take the time to listen, it definitely will stir up feelings for those you love in your life! Get your copy of this great single now on iTunes, and check out the video below!


Though Buffalo Sunn’s debut album isn’t even out yet, they’ve already started working on their next album, which will have about 15 tracks. In terms of what sets them apart, Daniel just says the band does their own thing and hope that people like and connect with it all. “I think it’s when you really try hard to please people or try to cash in on a current scene that’s when you’re f****d,” he said honestly. “We love playing music and the biggest reward is playing to people who really dig our sound.”

You can check out more from Buffalo Sunn on their official website and SoundCloud, as well as connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube!

5:04:00 AM

I absolutely love how many international artists I have had the opportunity to feature on The Spotlight this year! It’s always cool to feature people outside of the U.S. to give you all a little taste of what the outside world really has to offer. It’s also allowed me to talk with a lot of awesome people! Getting back into the swing of things after all of these vacations and whatnot, so I have even more in the works!

Today, we have Australian pop/rock artist Travis Caudle! Travis admitted that he fell in love with music at a really young age. “Dad was always into stereo systems in a big way and buying the latest records and Mum plays piano, so it was always around,” he said, even recalling his first concert experience at the toddler level! “I clearly remember being at a Neil Diamond concert in Perth, Western Australia where I’m from, when I was two or three and wondering why he had red, green and blue hair (the lights!!!). Mum and Dad must not have been able to find a babysitter that night!” he joked.
At 15, Travis’ father bought him an old classical guitar, and he was taught a few chords by a family friend. Travis quickly taught himself to play guitar, and discovered that he could also sing. From there, he tried songwriter, and began to play sets around his area with some cover and original songs. Travis’ older brother would often buy him albums for his birthday, which sparked his love of music even more. Often, they along with friends would go to gigs by Australian bands, which had an impact on Travis’ own music. Inspired by bands like The Church, The Cure, Lloyd Cole and The Commotions, the singer admitted that his music was influenced by home. “I often get told my music has an international flavor but simultaneously a distinctly Australian sound,” he said. Songwriters like Steve Kilbey, Colin Hay, George Harrison and Lloyd Cole are also some of Travis’ favorite songwriters that he looks to for inspiration. “Their lyrics have an amazing depth and poetry to them that never cease to amaze me,” the artist acknowledged.

Travis recorded his first two electric albums, Trips Between Worlds and Signals, with producer Tim Powles, who also serves as the drummer for Australian band The Church. “This is where I first experienced completely immersing myself in music and creativity in the studio because I was in Sydney and away from home,” he recalled. Most recently, the singer released his EP, It’s Just You, which dropped in December 2013. “The EP is a collection of songs that straddle a few different themes like life on the road, loss and being a new parent but, overall, it’s about the process of stripping back your conditioning as a human being and questioning your life and who you are, at the very deepest levels so that you can enjoy the moment you’re in” Travis said of the project. “Much of it focuses on taking back the power you have to change all the habits and emotions that have over time come to run you, but don’t necessarily serve you.” Check out the video the title track, “It’s Just You,” below!


Currently, Travis is busy recording more songs with US-based Grammy-nominated Australian producer Mark Moffatt. The studio experience, in spite of the obvious exhaustion it can bring, is still a thrilling time for this artist! “It’s like there’s a huge amount of space to create and experiment and you never quite know where a song is going to ultimately end up, so being in that atmosphere of potential is a unique type of energetic experience that I find exhilarating,” he said. No word on when those songs will be released just yet, but Travis is sure to have some great music up his sleeves for listeners! He’s also about to head out on a few tour dates in the States, so be sure to check him out!

In terms of what sets him apart from other artists, he believes that his creativity that stretches beyond any one particular genre that makes him stand out. He does what he feels, regardless of what people may think, which is honestly rare in music these days. “It’s pretty simple for me – I hear something in my head and then I do whatever I have to do to get it out of my head and onto an album, whether it’s going to be considered cool or not,” he stated. In the future, the singer-songwriter wants to have a successful career, and connect with others through his music. However, that’s not his first concern when it comes to his career. “The most important thing to me is to live an inspired life and produce inspired music,” Travis said. “When a song comes to me from nowhere and I’m wandering around trying to make sense of what I’m hearing and get it out of my head, there’s nothing like it. I’m totally in the music and the thing that’s furthest from my mind is my career. If I can stay inspired and keep feeling compelled to record and play music, that would be a great future."

You can check out more from Travis on his official website, as well as YouTube and SoundCloud. You can also connect with him on Facebook and Twitter!

11:10:00 AM

I have a lot of spotlights coming up, and even more submissions to look through soon. I plan to
hopefully have at least one spotlight a week for a bit, while I catch up (*fingers crossed*). As always, if you or your client is an upcoming singer, rapper, actor, designer, etc., please email me at BrittanyShawnte@gmail.com (Please give at least two weeks for response). 

Today on The Spotlight, we have singer/songwriter Constance Renoir! Raised in Brooklyn, NY, Constance got into music at a very young age. “I would say, by 9 years old, I had written my first song, and I knew that I could really sing,” she said. In junior high, the singer had what she called “sort of a life changing experience,” when she was asked by her music teacher, Ms. Christie, to perform in a talent show. “I had never performed before, and so I didn’t know which song to sing, so she recommended to me that I perform Mariah Carey’s ‘Hero,’” Constance recalled. “Once I grabbed that mic, and sang those specific lyrics, I knew that was what I wanted to do.” From there on, she started following Mariah’s music, trying to match both her vocals and songwriting skills.

In addition to Mariah, she’s inspired by some of the great artists that also call NY home, including the Notorious BIG, Jay Z, Lil Kim, Mary J. Blige, and Aaliyah. “My sound is a fusion of all those people,” the singer said. “I call it hip hop soul, or ‘soul pop.’” Her music has a fun, 90s’ chill vibe, which is definitely inspired by her Brooklyn roots. “I believe that you can make mainstream music that still has some meaning. It doesn’t have to sound fake or forced,” she said, expressing that when she makes music, she makes it with a purpose. “I mean what I say in my lyrics. They are things I’ve seen and experienced,” Constance added.

In our interview, I asked Constance specifically why she thought it was important to bring back that hip hop soul feel from music back in the day. She gave a honest answer. “There is no real distinction between hip hop and R&B on the radio. Rappers sing and singers rap,” Constance said. “When I sit with kids my age (16-21), all they do is complain about how much trash they hear on the radio. They want to hear music that doesn’t aim to disrespect women, or make them want to do negative things. They just wanna vibe.” Taking “Can’t You See,” by 90s R&B group Total ft Biggie as an example, the artist continued: “That first line makes me jump out my seat. ‘Give me all the chickenheads from Pasadena to Medina!’ That line is fun without being over done. Simplicity needs to make a comeback.” I definitely agree. It’s clear that Constance is doing just that with her own music!

In November of 2013, Constance released her first single, pop/R&B track "Rain,” which was originally sung by Brooklyn artist Razah. The song got great feedback, and was featured on several urban blogs. In February of this year, Constance released her first original single, “Still Lonely,” on Valentine’s Day. Telling the story of being caught in a love triangle, Constance’s vocals and raw emotion truly shine on the track, letting her true experiences shine through in her lyrics.

When Constance emailed me her most recent track, “Around The Way Girl,” over to me, I immediately was jamming. Inspired by her own life and how she likes to have a good time partying with her friends, being “the baddest girls in the building all for fun,” the singer decided to make a song for the girls “who aren’t too stuck up to hang.” The track was recorded at Brook Brovaz studio with Constance’s favorite engineer Kia. Check out the fun track below!


Currently, the singer is working on a 2 part demo called R and Beat, which will be released sometime later this month. “Around The Way Girl” was the first single from the “Beat” side of the demo, while Constance will release her newest single “You and I,” from the “R” side, which will “feature a softer side and focus on vocal harmonies.”

In terms of what makes her stand out from other artists, Constance believe it’s her edge that puts her above the rest. “I’m not cutesy or super polished,” she admitted. “But I think that’s what my fans will love about me. Everything I sing about is really from me.” She has dreams of really making an impact on this industry, make exceptional music and growing as an artist. Many artists, of course, have dreams of getting signed, sell records, winning awards, and going on tours, and Constance doesn’t count herself out from that. However, she also wants to “inspire, spread love, and be inspired.” The singer is truly working towards her goals solo, and doing a great job so far. “All I have is music right now and I’m just trying to bring my visions to life while staying true to myself. I know if the world gives me a chance, I won’t disappoint,” Constance said. It’s only upwards from here!

Be sure to check out more from Constance on her official website as well as SoundCloud, and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! 

6:41:00 PM

Working hard to feature a few different artists this week! As always, if you or someone you know, is an upcoming artist, producer, actor, etc., and are interested in a feature, please email me at BrittanyShawnte@gmail.com!

Today on The Spotlight, we have Brazilian singer Natalia Damini! This upcoming star has had her sights on music since she was only five years old. “I remember when I was singing, imagining a crowd of fans in front of me. That was so fun!” she said. “ I have been dreaming [about] this my whole life.” When she was 17, she met a DJ that was looking for a singer to put on his record. He only had music, and not any lyrics, so Natalia wrote the track, which became her first single “Feelin’ The Love.” “The people liked it and the DJs started sharing the song all over the country and outside, I had a demand for shows and that's how everything started,” the singer said. Natalia eventually left home for Sao Paulo alone, touring around Brazil to pursue her dream.

Inspired by legendary artists like Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Madonna, and Britney Spears, Natalia uses her music to truly express herself. “My songs are about my personal feelings, my experiences in life and my friends’ experiences too. I write about things that people can relate to,” the singer said. Throughout her career so far, the 22-year-old has toured all over Brazil, including in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and several other big cities. She collaborated with Lil Wayne and Rezzo on Rezzo’s song, “Can’t Stop Me,” as well, which happened because of her team Concore Entertainment and Charve The Don, along with Cash Money. “I was very excited to do that because Lil Wayne is one of my favorite rappers,” Natalia said of the track. “So when I got the record, I wrote my part. Lil Wayne and Cash Money loved the record.” She went on to say: “The lyrics of the song [are] very personal. You can’t let nobody stop you or stop your dreams, and sometimes the dreams might be everything you have.”

Most currently, Natalia has dropped her debut album, Beautiful, which was released in January 2014. The album, which reached #16 on iTunes Pop Music charts, features collabs from Nicki Minaj, Gucci Mane, the Shop Boyz, and more! “The basic concept of the album is about not outer beauty, but about being and feeling beautiful inside,” the singer said of the album. “We wanted to put a variety of music that everyone can relate to with great melodies and nice choruses.” Natalia said.

Already, the singer is working on a new album, which will be released later this year. She’s also working on a feature with Dream Kayris, and she will also be featured on the cover of Mr. Dreamz Magazine in their next issue. In terms of what separates her from other artists right now, the singer feels that her music and performances stand out the most. “I bring to [audiences] that energy they never felt before,” she said. Natalia wants her music to inspire and motivate people to reach their dreams, just like she is. In terms of her career, she is grateful to God for the success that she is having right now. “I feel very grateful that my music is so widely accepted, especially for being the first artist from Brazil having a major impact in America,” the singer said. In the future, she wants to tour worldwide in arenas and do great things to help people. Definitely a talented artist to be on the lookout for!

You can connect with Natalia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and SoundCloud!

Interview courtesy of Jeffrey Pollack/Thoroplated Productions and Charve the Don

8:22:00 AM

I have a great spotlight (and a lot more on the way, slowly but surely!). As always, if you are or know of an upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc, please email me at brittanyshawnte@gmail.com.

Today on The Spotlight, we have upcoming singer Montrey Slayton! Born in Springfield, IL and moving to Marianna, Arkansas for most of his childhood. Montrey grew up in a musical family, so his singing talent was always evident. “We didn’t have a lot growing up but we ALWAYS had music. If our lights was out, we put batteries in the boom box and it’s like all of our problems faded away,” he said. He and his family eventually moved to Milwaukee, WI, in 2004, which Montrey calls a “gem” in terms of music. “We try to be different than other cities like Atlanta or Houston. You could hear in certain people music where they from. But it’s such a mix of originality in Milwaukee that you would always hear something new and unheard of,” the singer said of the city. Once he graduated from high school, Montrey recognized that he had a gift of writing music. That’s when he decided to record his first demo and take his music seriously.

Montrey eventually auditioned for the hit singing competition, The Voice, which he called an amazing experience “I didn’t make it to the celebrity judges but I beat out many other talented vocalists in the first 2 rounds,” he said. “I think the experience motivated me a lot to keep striving! I was honestly on the verge of quitting music but after making it as far as I did, it gave me the confidence I needed to keep going.”

Montrey’s latest single “Cake” was inspired by a situation in his own life, and believes that so many men go through the same thing every day. “I always try to be as real as possible in my music and give the audience something they can relate to,” he said of the song. “Once I heard the beat to this song, the melody came to me right away. And seeing that I don’t put words to paper when I went to the studio to record it, the situation came to my head and the words just came to me.”


Montrey recently just signed a distribution deal to release his upcoming EP, Melody Within. “This EP [is] kind of mellow and soft. Something for the ladies to put on when they coming home from a long day of work and just want to relax in a hot bubble bath with a glass of wine.” he said. The singer thought of at least 10 titles for this project, but this one stuck out to him. “It explains my passion for music. Melodies are always in my head and I’m always singing wherever I am so I stuck with that title.”

Though his EP is his main focus right now, Montrey plans on releasing a mixtape sometime in the winter. The singer will also be re-releasing his first album, Love At First Sight, with a few new tracks and new artwork. In terms of his music standing out in the R&B industry today, the singer is focused on creating substance in his music. “Everyone is so focused on sex, drugs and strip clubs,’ he admitted truthfully. There’s a handful of artists who actually makes music about life, relationships, and love. That’s what I bring to the table. People, especially young people don’t know any of the good music we grew up on. I’m trying to bring back the soul and storytelling to music.” In terms of his career, his focus isn’t fame or fortune, but merely only working on music full-time. “I do have a goal of performing at a sold out show in Madison Square Garden, though! That would be a dream come true!” he exclaimed.

You can check out more from Montrey on SoundCloud, as well as connect with him on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!

8:54:00 AM

I'm blessed to be able to share with you all these amazing spotlights of talented artists, designers, producers, and more! I get more and more requests every month, and it blows me away! As always, if you are interested in featuring your work (or your client's work) on The Spotlight, feel free to email me! 

Today we have on the blog, model/actor Frankito Arias! Frankito is relatively new to the industry, and was introduced to acting and modeling back in 2011 by his current manager, Tahyira Savanna. “The truth is, it was just something fun to do and she thought I had real skill.” The duo were both new to their jobs—Frankito to acting and modeling and Tahyira to managing—but they gave it a shot anyway. “The response was so good, we started to take it more seriously and now that I have had a taste of what it is I found my true path,” the actor admitted.

Born in Yonkers, NY, but raised in Brooklyn, Frankito admitted that the “grind go-hard mentality” of the city helps motivate him to be great. “They say if you can make it here you can make it anywhere so I give it my all,” the model said. “I come from immigrants—my entire family is from the Dominican Republic. It is a poor place with little opportunity. I want to make a difference over there as well,” he added.

Inspired by Jim Carrey, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Denzel Washington, whom Frankito believes have all been able to bring various characters to life on the screen, the actor has already started developing his portfolio and building up his experience. He's played characters in several short films, as well as posed for a variety of photo shoots. Two of his favorite projects that he’s done so far is his work on Discovery ID’s Deadly Affairs, as well as an action shoot he did on the Coney Island Boardwalk during his first year as a model.


Most recently, the actor started a monologue series on YouTube, doing famous monologues from movies to showcase his skills. “My manager and I talked and we figured, since I am still building my resume and I have never had professional coaching, it would be cool to film monologues and release them via my channel,” Frankito said of the idea. “I can get more practice, it helps me for cold readings during auditions, and I get to keep my craft active which is always the most important thing.” He chose the Joker from The Dark Knight (famously played by the late Heath Ledger) because it was difficult and challenging. He also chose Bryan Mills from Taken (played by Liam Neeson), which utlizied a prop for a phone scene, which he wanted to get experience using. Sometimes, in order to break into the industry you love, you have to come up with creative ideas to get yourself noticed and build up your resume (I know that for myself....that's how Spotlight came to be in the first place!)

Currently, Frankito’s main focus is finding an agent both in New York and Los Angeles, continuing to audition on both the East and West Coasts. His drive is what he feels like separates him from other actors and models. “I will make it, and I will not stop until I do,” he said adamantly, stressing the importance of also having a team behind him to make it. He and his manager are on constant grind mode to make his dreams for his career come true, and Frankito definitely has major dreams to keep him motivated. “I would love to own my own production company one day,” the actor said, currently writing scripts in his spare time and developing story ideas for both film and TV. “I want to star in great projects, meet and learn from awesome people, and continue to inspire others to chase their dreams—no matter what kind of dream it is.” Go get it! Frankito is certainly ambitious and hardworking, and has the talent to reach his goals!

Check out more from Frankito on his online portfolio as well as his official website! 

10:57:00 AM

Excited to have quite a few new spotlights in the works, so be on the lookout for those in the coming months! As always, singers, rappers, publicists, etc. email me with any amazing work you would like to be featured on The Spotlight!

A few weeks back, I featured music from upcoming singer, Super Jay! His track, "Yo Body," was sexy and smooth, and perfect for radio! I wanted to feature a little bit more about him to give you guys a good look into who this great artist is! Often compared to Trey Songz because of his sultry vocals, Super Jay is a triple threat previously opening up for Trey Songz, and J. Holiday, and already embarked on his own "All of Me" tour that began April 4, 2014 in Ardmore, OK.


The singer actually got his start singing in church, but as he got older, he stopped. "By the time I hit
puberty, I stopped singing because I didn't like my voice," Super Jay admitted. "The summer before I started high school, I started rapping and making beats with a few of my friends and that’s where it all started." He didn't get back into singing again until his junior year. Though he felt he wasn't very good and didn't get support from those around him, he made up his mind that that's what he wanted to do.

Inspired by artists like Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Usher, Ludacris, and Mario, he was inspired to work towards being a talented singer and smooth performer and bring his music to life for audiences to be inspired by! He dropped hit singles, "On the Set" and "Drunk Text" both debuting on YouTube and other top media outlets that earned him thousands of hits, views and popularity. He has also garnered the attention of major media outlets such as Complex and Essence Magazines.

His latest single, "Yo Body" was inspired by a past relationship. "[It} came from a girl that I was with that would put on a front like she didn't want me to touch her but would go along with it after I did," Super Jay said of the track. "I guess she likes making it a challenge!" He co-produced the track with The Fam, who is also responsible for production of Drake's track, "Draft Day." Check it out again below!

As an artist, Super Jay loves hitting the stage for his fans! "It's like a drug that never gets old," he said. "I've performed more times than I can remember but I still get nervous every time. Not because I'm afraid but because I'm trying to do better than the time before. I love my fans and I want to give a good show." Currently, he's writing and producing for a few other artists, not putting himself in a box, but reaching out to various genres including rap, R&B, and hip hop, but also pop, rock n' roll, and country! No limits to this artist! Super Jay has dreams of becoming a "worldwide music sensation," as well as helping the youth and fellow artists reach their dreams.

Super Jay is definitely very talented and ambitious. With his hard work and determination, he's sure to go far! You can connect with Super Jay on Twitter and Instagram, and check out more of his music on SoundCloud! For bookings and inquiries, please contact The Latham-Capital Group at (769) 798-4439 or Charli Holbrook at charli@pslovecharli.com.

9:28:00 AM

Another spotlight! My goal is to feature as many artists as I possibly can this year (I have a set number but I'm hoping to exceed it!). As always, if you would like your work to be featured on The Spotlight, email me and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

Today, we have JproD (Jeopardy). Born in New Bedford, MA and raised in Bristol, CT, this bold artist recalls wanting to create music at the age of five! “Most of my childhood memories involve music,” he recalled. “Whether it was driving to my grandparents’ house with my mom, singing Mariah Carey or sitting behind the couch with a yellow Walkman, bumping “Mama Said Knock You Out.” At nine, he remembers writing emails to record labels asking them for a record deal. At that young of an age, J.Prod KNEW that he was going to be involved in the music industry in some way. However, it wasn’t until his senior year of high school that he gathered up enough confidence to pursue his music as a true artist. “There was a new teacher at my school. Never had him as a teacher, just kind of found myself in his classroom,” he recalls. “Long story short, he happened to be a former independent record label owner and he gave me the scoop. He also let me borrow his laptop and keyboard to make beats and record.” From then on, it was all about the music.

Growing up, JproD learned to be very independent, and enjoyed doing things on his own. “With my mom at work and busy with two other kids, I got to be alone a lot,” he said. His alone time clearly gives him time to think and creatively express himself in the music. “I put a lot of my real thoughts onto each song. I speak from the point of view of someone figuring out life on their own as they go,” the artist expressed. JproD admitted that he was somewhat of an outcast growing up, but didn’t care what people thought of him. “I did what I thought was cool. I never tried to be cool,” he said. “I don't try to be cool in my music. Could care less about your opinion. You don't feed me. You don't tuck me in at night,” he laughed.


More of JproD’s unfiltered thoughts can be heard on his upcoming mixtape, Regal, which will be hosted by JoJo Simmons. “I have been driving a 98' Buick Regal for about 3 years now. It has been the most consistent thing in my life for those 3 years,” he said. “[It] felt right, to talk about my past few years and call the project Regal. [It’s a] reflection of me in a way.” The artist declared that listeners will be moved to reflect on their own life through the project, and will be able to feel “the connection between art and life.” He continued, “They can look forward to a new sound. It won't be the same old bullsh*t they have been force feeding you.” The mixtape should be released sometime this summer.

In terms of his future in music, JproD wants to start playing instruments himself, as well as heading out on tour. However, he’s clearly focused on the music, and not the recognition. “All I care about is having genuine lyrics, attention grabbing hooks, [and] creating my own sound, “ he said. “I do what I think is dope. I would make music even if no one was listening, same way Mozart would play the piano alone at night.”

I definitely have a lot of respect for anyone who goes against the norm, and puts their all into what they want out of their work! JproD is definitely one of those artists! You can connect with him on Twitter and check out his website as well for more info.

7:15:00 AM

Happy April all! I'm excited to have quite a few spotlights lined up in the coming weeks (as always, if you are an upcoming artist, producer, designer, etc., and are looking to be featured on the blog, feel free to email me, and I will get back to you as soon as I can).

Today, to bring in the new month, we have hip hop emcee A.R. Stylez (Always Real Stylez)! Hailing from Brooklyn, New York and raised by a single mother, A.R. grew up listen to good soul music from artists like Ben E. King, the Blue Notes, and Ray Charles.  He took an great interest in art at a young age, but as he got older, he found that he could "paint pictures through words." His first performance was at the age of 13 at the historic Knitting Factory in NYC, and it was clear that music was an outlet to express himself. The emcee said of Brooklyn's influence, "Every day you're reminded that you're in the city that never sleeps. Living in the hood, being introduced to violence, poverty, and struggle will make just about anyone what to pursue better."

Inspired by artists with great talent and impact like Tupac Shakur and Kanye West, this artist is steadily making a name for himself within NYC and beyond! His first mixtape, Realism, dropped in 2012, and he has performed at numerous local events and for colleges and lounges. He's also performed in a fashion show which was hosted by Puma & Sassy of VH1's Black Ink Crew, and been a hype man on stage with Styles P & Sheek Louch's entourage, The Lox, during an event at NYC's BB Kings. A.R. was also selected as one of the artists of the 2013-2014 Dean’s List College Tour and was asked to participate in the Xtreme Freshman Tour this year, which is a 14 city nationwide tour, sponsored by Xtreme 104 FM and C&C Entertainment Firm. The event hits NYC on April 23rd! ]

A.R.'s most recent release is his new track "Love The Way," produced by Let That Boy Cook (formerly known as Louder Sounds), which is about a man openly expressing his feelings for a woman. "I tapped into my personal feeling with the thought of people who could possibly relate," the rapper said. Check out the track below!




He's currently working on his upcoming mixtape, Practice Makes Perfect, a project that he has written over 30 songs for. "Overall I just want to display growth," he said about the tape. "Not only my growth   as an artist and man to my supporters, but the concept of Growth in general. Everything we pursue, or want to accomplish requires a growing and learning experience. The more you work on something, the better you become." He also has some other projects in the works, on the hush for now!

The emcee feels that something that separates him from other artists is his lyrical content. "My music has both influence & substance," A.R. stated. "I’m not afraid to be who I am. I’m not that street corner dealer. I’m not that guy who did 5 years for attempting murder. No disrespect to artist of that genre, but I’m just me. I look to inspire, teach, and motivate within my music." He continued on about his plans for his future, saying, "My dream and goal is to be able to make a solid living and foundation off giving my gift of music to the world." He wants to travel different places and connect with people from different races and cultures. "I also want to touch on a few other things, movies, magazines, who knows? If [it's] God will, it will come," he said.

You can check out more about A.R. Stylez on his official website and SoundCloud, and connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!

9:27:00 AM

Another spotlight for you all! Music keeps coming in, and I'm loving it! As always, if you are or you represent an upcoming musician, singer, rapper, designer, poet, etc., please feel free to email me for a feature on the blog!  

Today, we have Canadian singer-songwriter Celleste! The singer, the youngest of four, grew up in a musical household. Her own dad was a musician, and that opened her ears to a lot of great music! "My brother introduced me to classic rock, my sisters helped me discover bubblegum pop, and my dad had me listening to country music. Quite the mix!" Celleste said. She's a big fan of Led Zeppelin, but also pop stars like Madonna, Lady Gaga, P!nk, and Justin Timberlake. The 30s and 40s eras of music are seeming to pop up more in her music these days, she stated. "I've always loved the feeling I get when I listen to singers like Ella Fitzgerald and Peggy Lee," Celleste said. "So even though I'm writing pop-rock, those flavors seem to be showing up more and more." Definitely an eclectic taste!

Originally from Montreal, the artist admitted that it wasn't her own music scene that had an impact on her sound. Even in her own city, she felt a bit like a "fish out of water." "Somehow I found myself 'California dreaming' at the age of 5," Celleste said, reminiscing about her love of American culture. "I knew there was something else out there for me, and I was determined to find it."
Celleste got her official start in music 10 years ago, after auditioning for a production show in her city, which was set to tour in the States as well. She saw the show as a major opportunity for her, and got the job! Her goal was to get as much stage experience as she could, and that's exactly what she did. "For three years, I was on tour performing 5 to 9 shows a week," she said. "When there was time off, I worked on other musical projects, and with other bands." Talk about ambition! Through that show, she met her future producer/co-writer and business partner. After the show, she began working on her first album, Ready To Fly in 2010, which was followed by her second album Join The Infestation in 2012.


Her latest project, Deconstructing the Infestation, is an EP that features songs from Join The Infestation, but remastered into an acoustic format. "Originally we had wanted Join The Infestation to be a double album, one acoustic and the other electric," Celleste said. "Because of time constraints, we were forced to hold off on the acoustic material. It was great to complete the entire vision."

Co-writer and producer Eric Dick worked with Celleste on the EP, which was released in November, along with Steve Bucci on drums and percussion, Bobby Stagg on piano and bass, and Hubert Maeux on guitar for track "Sick and Tired."Celleste stated that the EP gave her a chance to sing in a different way than usual. "The idea was to really explore the melodies, play with the keys, and have fun with harmonies," Celleste said of the experimental style. "Slowing down some tempos also gave me a chance to sink into the tunes in a way that you can't when they're faster." She also wanted to take her music back to the basics, jamming on the guitar on the couch, creating raw music, not just music produced in a rock context. The results are absolutely incredible! Two of her favorite tracks included "Sick and Tired," as well as "Bitter Pill, which has amazing riffs that add to "The Addams Family feel of the murder theme."(You have to listen to understand what she means *smiles*) You can snag your own copy on iTunes now!

Currently, Celleste is co-owner of her own music label, Mighty Music, working on developing the company and building her own portfolio as an artist. She's also involved in a lot of the creative side of the label, shooting and editing videos, graphic design, photography, and more! However, this year, she really wants to focus on live performing, hitting the stage as much as she can. "We've already got some dates and great showcasing opportunities on the calendar," Celleste said. "So my band and I are really looking forward to getting out and playing for people."

Something that she feels sets her apart from the pack, is that she's really involved with every aspect of her career, something that not a lot of artists these days can say. Her work on her label is intense, from designing a CD booklet layout, writing and recording in the studio, shooting photos, and the like, plus rehearsing, performing, dancing, and acting! That's a lot on her plate! "I don't know too many artists who get to oversee their entire career to that extent," she admitted. "It's a very creative lifestyle, and extremely fulfilling."

In terms of where she would like to be in the future in terms of her career, her answer is simple. "On top of the world," Celleste smiled. She has two sides to her music: the Gwen Stefani pop side, and the Steven Tyler rock side. "As I keep writing songs, the goal is to bridge the gap between the two, and find that perfect balance where edgy rock can live alongside melodic and fun pop," the singer said. "I feel like it's getting much closer, and I'm already excited about the ideas we have for the next album!"

Seriously, the girl is amazing! Her voice is filled with emotion and passion, and her music will rock you in a major way! You can check out more from Celleste on her official website, as well as connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube!

6:50:00 AM

Here's a spotlight for you all this morning! (As always, if you are or represent a musician, producer, designer, etc., and would like to be featured on the blog, please feel free to email me!)

Today on The Spotlight, we have pop-rock artist Eric Zayne! Raised in the city of Montreal, Eric got his start with music around 13 years old, playing in various bands around his hometown. His first big gig was a five year tour across Asia, where he played keyboard, guitar, and sang with a funk band. Huge deal! It was these years that taught him about songwriting, performing, and connecting with audiences, all qualities that a true artist should have.

Inspired by artists like Prince, the Beatles and Maroon 5, Eric journeyed on to the Los Angeles music scene in February 2013. That summer, he toured throughout California, promoting his singles "Spin The World," & "Maneater," while simultaneously recording and producing his first EP, "Between Us." Listen to the project below!



Up next for the musician is his mixtape, "AutobiograMe," which will be released on March 10, 2014! The project features collaborations with Matisyahu, Amber Riley from Glee (you KNOW I have to hear that!), Rozzi Crane, and King Blaise."I’m so excited and proud about this mixtape. I feel like I’m getting closer to the truth of me as an artist and it really shows in my songwriting," Eric said of the project. "The subjects are very personal and the lyrics are more honest than I've ever been. That has a lot of value to me."

Eric recently won the John Lennon Songwriting contest, as well as performed at the Sundance Film Festival Music showcase as well as a party for the Grammys! He's continuing to tour and create videos, which has him on a very busy schedule, but an exciting one nonetheless. "Lately all the seeds I have been planting are starting to sprout. It's magical!" the artist admitted. "To follow your instinct takes courage because the time it takes for that dream to manifest can create doubts. But it’s manifesting now and it's amazing to watch."

Eric holds on to his dreams and excitement for his career, working to have a positive impact. "Once I worked with a radio team that was trying to get my song on the air. I wanted to share something unique and special," Eric recalled. "They told me that this industry was a "job" and that I shouldn't have hopes to be 'different.' That was terrible advice. What's the point in living if it's not to affect change in a positive way? At least that's how I wanna live my life!" he said. The artist credited his oldest brother Idan as one who gave him the greatest advice, not only for his career, but for life in general. "He said, 'Eric…You’re blessed. Be blessed with a smile, not with worry.” the musician said. Very great advice that we can all live by!

Be sure to follow Eric on Facebook and Twitter, and check out more about him and his music on his record label website, SoundCloud and YouTube!

7:24:00 AM