SLUSH

An upcoming artist from Jasper, Alabama who currently resides in California making his dreams come true. 

“I love the way I can express myself and my words through music. God has given me the ability to sing and a humble soul to spread wisdom. I feel like that is apart of his purpose for me.”

When did all of this start? 

 "My brother... shoutout to C4. I started up a studio in his room w/ just his laptop & a crack’d version of Pro Tools. No mic no interface not even any speakers just singing into the laptop haha but we loved it bc it was ours. At first it was just a hobby but our county really started supporting. Big shot out to walker county!" You're from Jasper, Alabama right? "Yea, I was actually born in Birmingham at the St. Vincent’s but raised in Jasper on 9th Ave. 205." I started in LA but I actually moved to the bay in june & live in Santa Cruz (about an hour from SF & Oakland).  Honestly I just needed a change of scene & pace. I am very young in my artistry & feel the importance of starting new beginnings that will create new stories that in return will create new music.”

“Jasper is one of those small towns where everyone knows everyone. Whether good or bad it’s my home and I love it. It’s very old fashioned but our millennium is different and I see such a positive change happening. I have noticed since I started my musical journey that more and more people are becoming appreciative of my music. I love it when they give me feedback like.. wow people actually listen.”

Sawyer is now, currently recording in San Jose.

“Shout out to sound cave.”

He is working towards his degree as a student while also working as a music therapist for non nerotypical individuals. “If you know me you know that I have a soft spot for that population and always will.”

How do you feel when you’re performing? 

“I take the stage very serious. If I don’t know you then sorry you can t be on the stage. no hard feelings just a respect thing.. its otf over here. but fr when I step on stage my alter ego comes out of me *lauhgs* what can I say? I go from sawyer to sawyer lee real quick. I pride myself on my stage presence though and always try keep the energy up. mosh pit, stage dive, whatever we r turning up though.”

What projects are you currently working on? 

“I recorded a lot of material in Nashville before I moved- Shout out to Tha Underground Stu and @prodbyjminor, I was going to make it into my debut EP which I had named "ANGLES”. After many listening sessions  with the crew I decided to release them for free on soundcloud as singles and continue working on ANGLES in Cali. I picked up a different wave since I have been out here. I kept my roots & added a west coast feel to it. I can’t wait to finish it. I named it ANGLES because I want to show my versatility through this EP. You will just have to wait and see...”

What collaborations have you had thus far?

 “Gotta shout out my bro Kenny Loften doing it for Hoover! Whenever we hop in the stu it’s like we are riding the same wave. Shit is ill. Also, shout out to Missle another dope Birmingham artist on the rise... got a couple features with him. DJ Redd is dropping his own exclusive tape too! I fuck with the socially awkwrd gang as well. As far as my collabs on the west side go wellllll.. you will just have to wait and see.”

What else do you do besides sing and song- write? 

“I love playing the keys and having jam sessions with friends. Also just locking myself in my personal zone and steadily working on my production skills. I also have a girlfriend. Her name is Mary Jane and she’s pretty loud but she takes the pain away... ya feel me?”

What inspires your music?

“My family, it’s all for them. They’ve been with me through it all, they motivate me to be myself, and be myself to my fullest potential. Also, I have made it through a lot of relatable trials and tribulations. Just the power to share my story and connect with someone who has been through a similar situation is all the inspiration I need.”

“I know this sounds clique but money really is the motive. I mean I would love the opportunity to share wisdom through fame but seeing the face on my mom when I buy her whatever she wants. Yea dat way.”

What are some artist you look up to?

 Off the top of my head:     *Alice in Chains          Nirvana       Led Zeppelin       *Goodie Mob          OutKast         *Lil Wayne  *Chance The Rapper      PartyNextDoor       Majid Jordan          Yelawolf     Sebastian Cole

“Another point I would like to add is racial tension is very high at this time especially in the south. I think if I could pass anything on to my fellow caucasian Americans is that just try to be more accepting. I am a supporter of the black lives matter movement bc what is so wrong about a race wanting to ‘matter?’ That’s it.. Just accept that even though we didn’t live during the troubling times of slavery and segregation doesn’t escape the fact that it still happened. We have to respect, recognize and act accordingly.

Also my friends are like family to me bc at one time they were the only family I had. I will never forget that and forever be in there debt. Shout out to medina, jaiquan, phat, shields, matt, charlie, hall, Nic & nick, and the whole 205.”

Huge thanks to Area 31 (located in downtown Frederick, Maryland) for providing their venue for us to use for our podcast! 

We absolutely love their space and all that they provide--

"The Studio opened about 5 years ago through a collaboration between Archai Media, 72 Film Fest, and Connectivity Group, later joined by Big Picture Media, all with hopes to make a creative space downtown with a focus on video production.

Says Samuel Tressler, the space manager -- “I have been managing the space and Archai Media, a video production and rental house, for the past three years.” 

Why was Area 31 opened?

“Since it's inception, the space was designed to be a blank canvas for anyone with a creative idea. We push in certain directions that interest us, but are always open to anyone coming in to make stuff. If in any way we can use this little studio and the things we do here to motivate and inspire more creativity in the community, then we've been successful in our goals. 

Were you faced with any struggles? 

“Frederick has a strong arts community. I myself am focused more on the film arts, but we want the studio to support all arts. The main challenges have been getting the community connected and keeping the studio financially sustainable. Many of the things we do like our art shows and our weekly free film nights are no cost.”

What is the message and purpose behind Area 31?

“We ultimately just want people to learn and be inspired, but it's tough to maintain this when screening rights cost money and rent is required monthly. One of the ways we are trying to keep such an atmosphere alive is our current work on non-profit partnerships in order to be able to accept tax deductible donations from community businesses and individuals. 

What do you love about downtown Frederick? 

 “To me Frederick is a cozy place with the relationships of small town. I am excited to see it continue to blossom.”

Now that you've heard all about Area 31, here's a litttle background information on Samuel himself... 

“I went to Stevenson University, graduated with a major in film, minor in philosophy in 2008. In 2013, I left my job as an editor to start work on my first feature film, it was then that I got linked up with the studio, which has been my work-home ever since, and the film is currently in production!” (www.ledathemovie.com)

14 Jan 2017: We had a podcast via Facebook Live titled Young Artist Pt.2- College Students. Here are those students...

Freddy Kelsey Debbie

Traphaus® - a quality streetwear clothing line

Slush had the chance to talk with the creator of Traphaus® here’s what @skeeterlaflare had to say...

"Traphaus® was started in the Summer of 2013. I was taking a break from my first passion, music, it became a vision of mine that eventually evolved into something much more than I had planned for it too.”

How did it evolve?

“Through sales and inspiration. The brand is funded by hardworking people who believe in the vision of TRAPHAUS®. Hard work and dedication is the recipe.”

What do you love about clothing?

 “Clothing is one many ways of expressing yourself and who you are as a person inside and out. I like variety and identity. For me, clothing is a necessity  and style is conditioned, not purchased.”

Is there anything else that you are involved with besides Traphaus®

“I am a tycoon. I have my hands in a little of everything, such as, music, assisting, creative directing, managing freelance designing and clothing, etc.”

Skeeter is a very well rounded person, with dabbling into a little bit of everything. Surely that comes as a benefit with owning a clothing line. Not only does he have the talents and passion for designing the clothing, but also the graphics and marketing. Instead of looking for someone to do those things for him, he can do them all himself!!

“I love the fact that I able to be somewhat successful in anything I do. I am trusted by many people to get things done the RIGHT way. A lot of people think internet clout pays bills, but it doesn't. I know artists and internet personalities who have big followings online but in reallife it doesn't add up. Hard work and dedication behind the scenes is what i love most about what I do.”

We see what you love about owning a brand, especially one that you created... what does that really mean to you?

“Envisioning something, putting in the work, and seeing it come to life is what it is all about for me.”

What motivates and pushes you?

“I am motivated by life with inspirations coming from people, places, and things. I am pushed by life's adventures and the unexpected twists and turns we take on the road, that is life itself.”

“I feel at peace when I create.”

TRAPHAUS® products are all made in the USA with a variety of pieces from t-shirts, caps, hoodies, and more! TRAPHAUS® is constantly developing and adding new garments to the brands collection over time.

Next up? 

Stay tuned for the  Spring / Summer '17 collection of Traphaus®

(Tartantino Mac)

Ash of Eden

A band that is based out of Muscle Shoals- a town known for it’s legendary sound! Ash of Eden has definitely taken advantage of the town they live in, but added a twist by bringing something different! Slush decided to take a look into what Ash of Eden is all about before they head on tour!!!

“Ash of Eden was started as a rock project in 2009 by Alex and JSmoke. After a lack of other dedicated core members, the band had to take a brief hiatus in 2012 until mid 2014 when Josh White joined and together we continued. It took a little over a year after to find Mike Reppold, our current bass player.” The band consist of Alex Rivers who does vocals, Jsmoke Whiteside on guitar, Mike Reppold on bass, and Josh White on drums. The band takes influence from a couple different genres. They like to tell people that they are melodic metal, “it sounds nice and helps separate us from the predominantly death metal/deathcore scene around here. (Muscle Shoals)”

Are there other rock bands in the area? Has it been hard gaining an audience in Alabama? What about the shoals itself?

“Shoals is a hub for many different genres, some that get much more 'light' than others. Rock is a pretty popular genre here, especially rock cover bands. We consider ourselves metal, which can but doesn't always run concurrently with the rock scene. In a state where people seem to prefer 80s covers, country, or folky Americana it has been harder to gain a loyal following than it might be in other states with diverse musical tastes. In the shoals we generally get a very warm reception, probably due to its generally diverse musical climate. It is a music city, after all.”

What projects is the band currently working on?

-

“Oh boy. 2017 is a big year for us! We’re in the studio constantly recording our Lost Souls EP which is a prelude to the Lost Souls Album. We're playing all over the southeast and going on tour in April. Working to set up a lot of big shows with other great bands in the area.”

Ash of Eden is huge on working with other artist. They love bringing people together and making the most out of the music scene. 

“We all love performing! Music has impacted and changed each of our lives in some way or another. We aren't playing music to get rich, we're playing music cause it's what we love and we hope other people like what we bring to the table. If we can help one person, thats what we love.” 

Where can we find the bands music? 

“We're on YouTube as Ash of Eden, where you can find our most recent music video and other behind the scenes stuff. We're also on SoundCloud at www.soundcloud.com/ash-of-eden-official where you can stream Magic No More and the entirety of our first EP, The God Complex.”

There are many incredibly talented artist that Ash of Eden has worked with. To save space here is list of a few bands that they have played with this year past year...

Vaalbara Noir Waves Goodbye Skyline House of Curses Conspiracist Echoes of Creation Random Conflict And so many more.

Mandi- the Yogi

“Yoga has been a part of my life for six years, but I have really been consistent for the past three years.”

Mandi is a genuine person who has embraced all of who she is and learned to love herself. She shares her story through her Instagram pictures which has inspired so many. 

“I was a cheerleader in high school, took gymnastics at some point but never thought yoga would give me as much as it did.”

How has yoga helped you mentally and physically? 

Yoga was something I overlooked. I have always been into bending and exercising. 

Mandi encourages everyone to try yoga because it helps in ways that are unimaginable. She says that she has met “many lovely souls through yoga and mostly connected with a lot of good people through online and social media.”

Before trying yoga I used to think it was not enough exercise and that it was way to boring to sit there and meditate. As soon as I had my first class I was hooked. I couldn’t stop wanting to learn all the poses I could... later realizing that yoga is much more than poses and asana compromises just a small part of the eight limbs.

“Understanding without practice is better than practice without understanding. Understanding with practice is better than understanding without practice. Residing in your true nature is better than understanding or practice” -Upanishads 

Is there a studio you practice at? 

Soul Yoga is one, I also have gone to a couple classes in downtown Frederick. Mostly I do yoga by myself at home, but the best class I have ever had was in Mohonk Mountain House in New York- a resort where I was able to take classes everyday for free when they normally cost $100 a class.

“My plan is to get my teaching license and teach around the world.” 

Terrence Wimberly- where to start? 

This dude is so talented in many areas. He does drawing, painting, photography, music, and various mixed medias. Each of his pieces speak something. He is a passionate individual who sticks up for what he believes in. 

“My first art, and true passion, was in drawing. I started drawing as a child and from then on, it stayed with me and became something bigger than just a hobby.” 

Wimberly is turning his dream into a reality currently by attending the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he studies Studio Art. He has been apart of numerous art shows starting in high school. 

“Ive showcased my art at ‘La Doux’ art show by Crispysz in Denver, the Colorado Black Arts Festival, and in my own solo exhibition for ‘NAP’ at UAB’s Project Space along with UAB’s Medium Pin Up show.”

Showcasing his work at UAB has definitely paid off by winning him scholarships for the past two years!

What do you love about each thing you partake in?

I am able to speak a new language in each one. I love transitioning between the languages, and transcending the human language by doing so.

What is your main focus?

My main focus always transitions, but currently my two main focuses are music and painting. Right now I am working on a big multimedia music project that I plan on releasing next Spring.

Raphael Thomas-- “I do mostly pen and ink. I have done painting and like digital painting. I just don't have my own computer right now, but I am open to anything new.”

What do you typically draw?

I don't know. It is very random... its spots that come into my mind randomly. I don't have a specific object. One thing I draw the most is a tear drop. I am currently working on a project where I am drawing things over and over. I like to do patterns and stuff. What I want to do is more so comic book work. My focus right now is humans and nature.

Where do you currently work?

I work at chipotle. I kind of do everything, but mostly cashier. I haven't really put myself out there for drawing yet so now I just really do it for fun. I have been working on music a lot too so that has been taking a lot of time as well. I am kind of at a crossroads in my life where I have a lot of different talents I can chase so I am trying to narrow it down so I can focus and master one thing at a time. 

“I don't want my work to be half assed.”

What do you do with music?

I make beats. Me and my friends have a collective where we all just make beats and rap together, The Beauregard Boys. I don't rap haha I do ad-libs. I have actually met a lot of producers through Chipotle actually, like coworkers or customers. It is crazy how it all works out.

Are you in school?

I used to be, but because I ran into some complications with registration I am no longer in school. I am in the middle of a lot of different things so I am not sure if I should make the investment to go back to school just yet. I am just staying where I am at now to see how things go, at least for a few months.

Drawing was one of the first things Raphael got into as a kid-

I was sketching when I was four and then had an ah-hah moment.  Once I moved to the states I started doing Taek Won Do to help me socialize. Three to four years later I became a black belt. Once I got into college I met my friend who is in a band, like folksy and it's music I would never listen too. It was like a gypsy band and would play on street corners. He was just showing me what he was doing with his music. He would use logic pro x to edit the songs so he was showing me all of that. Thats when I started making beats then I was getting assigned all of these projects that required me to make songs so it pushed me more to really learn. After there were complications with college, I stopped going and touched base with my high school friends again, the Beauregard boys, and they are brothers!

Are you currently working on any projects?

I am doing a drawing that is pretty much all letters. It was an assignment given to me that I kind of turned into my own thing. 

“If there is any repetition is done in my work it is to create something new.”

It's a girl underwater surrounded by fish.. I'm not exactly sure what is going on in the picture. Her mouth is a waterfall and her face is made out of letters. It's kind of weird. Other than that, I just design stuff for my friends like mixtape covers and t-shirt designs. I have no problem doing all that.

Raphael is located in Alexandria, VA. He is French, so he is from Paris originally. He moved to the states in late December of 2004 making him around nine years old. He is now 21.

22 year old Curtis Yuille carries many talents from photography and videography to giving advice to others. He shoots just about anything- commercials, documentaries, tutorials, events, ceremonies, concerts, and more! 

“People have the passion, they just don't have the confidence. People are always inquiring about how they can go to the next level. Production is always a team effort.”

Born in baltimore, MD and currently attending Towson University majoring in electronic media and film, graduating in Fall of 2017 Yuille first started videography in 2011.

“I was in a collective, me and my friends. The first idea was to be a collective of artist, but most of us wanted to do music so we needed someone to do video and music journals so I took on that responsibility. From there I started learning editing and getting the right equipment.” 

Yuille tells us he was also starting college at the time and made a decision on what he wanted to study so he took up digital communications at the first school he attended because that was the closest thing they had to offer, but once he started at Towson he was able to truly focus on the digital media and film aspect of the program.

Starting with music videos- Yuille fell in love with film from then on. 

What genre do you usually work with?

RnB, rap, trap, hip- hop

“As me and my friends matured, we kind of went different places with the collective. I had to separate myself for my own goals and my own business.”

What projects are you currently working on?

I am currently shooting a short film with a friend of mine who is directing it. It is called Lighter Story. It's a brief story about the life of a lighter and how it goes hand in hand from each user. The social standards of what people use it for, survival, destruction, smoking, and more. I am also working with a comedian from Baltimore, Vonte (@imvontee) shooting a film called The Baltimore Way 4. I also work with Xtfr Radio at Towson. I am a radio and video coordinator there. I get to interview the artist that visit Towson and help with events.”

What is your favorite thing to shoot?

Interviews. It is always a learning experience. You can go very traditional with editing. Also, documentaries. You can basically do whatever you want with the editing. I used to love music videos, but now I don't really get into those. It is very confusing to communicate with the artist of what they want to portray. It can give a mix message between the music and the visuals. My favorite thing to shoot with photography is behind the scenes work or street photography. I just started shooting portraits and studio work lightly. I love street photography best because I am shooting out of enjoyment rather than to be judged. I shoot on film.

What do you do for fun? 

Read. I prefer fiction and I would have to say Master the Gang by Sidney Sheldon is my favorite book. I enjoy traveling too and watching HBO dramas. I love working on projects!

Favorite place(s) you've traveled to?

"Internationally... Trinidad and Tobago- thats where my dad is from. I really enjoyed myself at Tobago. Staes? Tuskegee, its an all black college in Alabama. There is a lot of history there.”

“Pretty much all the work I have done has been local: Black Zheep, Soduh, Al Rogers.”           

#SUPPORTLOCAL

How do you feel when you are shooting?

I feel... theres a lot of things I feel.

What do you love about shooting?

Basically capturing a moment and being able to play it back and get the quality of a moment in time and being the person who created, sort of... moving pictures. It's all about capturing the moment in time and being able to capture that time once more.

What inspires you?

I think opportunity inspires me the most. Hoping that my drive and hustle brings me opportunities to provide for myself or my future family which motivates me to.

Is there anyone you look up to?

Not at the moment.

“After school I plan to continue doing what I do, but I also want to work with people in the industry who are working with larger scale projects.”

Emmalee Katherine Martinez 

A 19 year old singer from Houston, Alabama who now lives in Florence, AL. 

Emmalee is a freshman at Shoals Community College, studying Communications. 

Singing, photography, playing the guitar, the piano, and saxophone- just some of the many things Emmalee is involved in! 

“I mainly focus on music because it has given me a way to reach out to people. Throughout all of the songs I have performed people will tell me ‘wow I really needed to hear that.’ I also love taking pictures of people because I get to take them out of their comfort zones- allowing someone to do something that they haven't done before. I got into photography when I first moved to Florence. I met Jackson Townsend, @jacksontownsend_ and would just tag along on photo shoots with him and it sparked my interest. I have been taking photos for two to three months now.”

She shoots everything from scenery to coffee, preferably lattes, but her favorite is people due to her outgoing personality and true love for getting to know others. 

How do you feel when you are singing? It differs. When I'm by myself I guess I feel like.. I don't know how to explain it. When I was performing the other day at a show, I just blocked everyone out and pretended like I was singing to myself. 

Emmalee has a voice like none other. Her unique sound is what is so attracting- very soulful and her heartwarming vibe just brings it all together. 

Slush loves to capture the feelings behind the work of a dream so we asked Emmalee... 

What inspires you? Honestly other people do, like other artists. Julian Baker is one of my new favorites. She writes sad songs too. Sadness is an emotion that is very easy to write about when you are writing songs. Happiness is kind of hard to write about.  "Because I'mmmm HAPPPPYYY" yea, Pharrel Williams would definitely disagree. 

What motivates you? Definitely the people in my life and my relationship with God. There are times where I don't feel like getting up, much less writing music so it is nice to have someone who is always there with me, to get me through everything.