“The road leading to success can sometimes be long and arduous. Everything that can go wrong will. All of your primary support systems will fall by the wayside like it was planned sabotage.” – Patrick A. Kelly

First off, who is Patrick Kelly?

I’m an optimist. I’m the guy who isn’t afraid to take risks, win, lose, or draw. I’m that friend to people I know, and I’m an associate to people I come to know, but I’m always smiling, have an encouraging word to say, and want everyone to progress. Despite what some people may think, Patrick Kelly is the guy most people see and say, “He’s charming. He appears to be not too much on his game, so let’s see what I can get from him.” The funny thing is, since I was 12 years old, I realized what my gifts were, and often times I play the not-so-intuned guy just to flush out people’s personalities, motives, and purpose. I see everything. I observe people and notice things they may not know or care to know about themselves. Whether they want to or not, the truth always comes out, and I only rely on body language and my personal interactions with people. That is how I genuinely get to know them. I consider what most people say as 90% fluff (lies, deceit, agenda, camouflage, and game). So, in a nutshell, I am that guy who will help anybody, the guy that will give you 120% because he expects 120% in return – the guy when his name is on the line comes through. Earning your way, hard work, and follow through gets my respect. I do not appreciate or tolerate laziness, people who think they are above the rules, or some sort of entitled maniac. And I have zero tolerance when it comes to violence and disrespect.

So you’ve been getting a lot of flak from people you know about being a hard-ass, especially regarding your passion. What do you say to that?

I can only say that you live, and you learn. Many people want to mold you into something they can manage (control), but I’ve always been strong-headed and confident even when it didn’t appear. I’m sorry that certain people may feel intimidated by me, but that’s life. There are leaders, and then there are followers, and clearly, I’m a leader; I always have been, but I can follow too. Yes, I agree that I can be stubborn sometimes, but I’m also that guy who is man enough to apologize when I’m wrong. You must remember that when you find people who disapprove of you as a personality, you remind them of something they’re hiding from or striving to become.

You’ve been in Atlanta for what, 20+ years now? What are some of your accomplishments in music and entertainment, and who are some of the people you have helped along the way?

Yes, I have been in Atlanta now for 20+ years. I moved to Atlanta after my horrible spring semester at Towson State University in Maryland. I relocated here in the summer of 95, a time I will never forget because it was the first time I felt homeless. It’s not a pretty feeling at all. When I moved to Atlanta, I was supposed to transfer to Clark Atlanta University while working at Stouffer Hotel and live with my aunt and uncle in Decatur, none of which worked out. I didn’t like Clark, and my new job transfer and living situation fell through, so I was left to go on faith. I remember driving by Spring and 14th with tears in my eyes because I knew I wasn’t gonna go back home; I wasn’t gonna just give up after a few setbacks. By the grace of God, there was a guy I met while being in Atlanta for Freak Nik that year named Kevin Bryant, who introduced me to my first roommate, Craig. If you don’t know who Kevin Bryant is, he’s a soul/dance artist here in Atlanta who garnered his first hit dance single by remaking Chaka Khan’s single “Any Love.” As far as my accomplishments, I did a lot of modeling and TV work during my first few years in Atlanta and got a new job through one of Kevin’s friends Eddie Young who happened to be the manager of The Evergreen Conference Center and Resort at the time.

Throughout the years, I formed relationships and co-founded a clothing line called Whatever Wear, which Kevin and Lentheus Chaney were a part of. From there, I and an ex-friend Chuck Dobey founded SEID Entertainment and Production. I also was a part of Beautiful People, Megavibes, and The Urban Spotlight, a local talent show we did with DJ T-Wrex and DJ Tron of Urban Legends DJs, which ran for 13 months at the infamous Shark Bar Restaurant and Lounge. As far as people I’ve helped, I was Kevin Bryant’s graphic artist for over 12 years, which means I was in charge of all his street promotions and designs. We developed artists through SEID Entertainment and Productions and educated many artists on the music business, including signing our first gospel rap group, Reign Down (Carlos Jones and Tony B). Through our clothing line Whatever Wear, we did Morehouse Fashion Shows, The Black Expo, For Sister Only, Tribeca Clothing and Straight From The Apple, and Upscale Magazine, and we also worked with celebrity photographers Shawn Dowdell and Umari. Models who started with us and have made a name for themselves are Teck Holmes (“MTV’s The Real World Hawaii” & “Van Wilder”), Black Men Magazine Cover Model, Sincily, Ryan Neal, and others.

What is your passion for the music/entertainment business, and why start USL Magazine?

Well, my passion for life is to help people. I realized that during one of our Urban Spotlight shows, DJ Cowboy and E.T. (The Dirty Boyz and 107.9) attended. An artist approached me while standing at the soundboard and said, “Mr. Kelly, we really appreciate what you all are doing for us indie artists.” It wasn’t until then that I really realized my calling in music. Since I was a youngster, I’ve always been inspired by music, TV, and the movie industry. However, starting USL Magazine was brought up by Darryl, a colleague who happened to be working with us while we were taping the Ultimate Spotlight CMV TV Show. The TV show spawned USL, which I took from the show’s name. Starting USL Magazine was the next reasonable step with everything I had created before now.

What are you hoping to accomplish with the magazine, and who is your target audience?

The magazine speaks for itself. It’s a diversity of music and musical artists in conjunction with entertainment, fashion, lifestyle, and some satire. USL Magazine is primarily an online magazine, with print-on-demand quarterly. Regarding the demographic we’re trying to reach, they were obtained during our male model casting for the first issue. And we’re talking about young men and women of many races and cultures between the ages of 17 and 25 who are diverse, fashionable, and open-minded. We are also beginning to see a trend, especially with the hip-hop and dance community. In a nutshell, USL Magazine gives you a real-life attitude fused with music and entertainment with fashionable attire for the young and viable.

You’re doing sex stories and a past issue concerning 3-way relationships. Why did you choose to do a story on 3-way connections?

The whole idea for this piece was because I have either had scenarios of the sort presented to me or have heard of them, so I wanted to not only say my part on the subject but also find couples who have experienced it. It’s none of my business what people do in the privacy of their own homes. Their privacy is exactly what it means; their own privacy. But if you’re in a relationship, is it fair to say you love someone and you’ve given them your heart, yet you don’t really know them? This piece aims to help couples and people thinking about going into relationships to really think about who they are and what they want from it. We all know everybody lies, and you should usually worry about the ones protesting the most and the loudest.

So what was it like interviewing Day 26, and why did you choose them to be a part of the magazine?

We were actually solicited by Day 26’s publicist to get them in the magazine. With all the traffic on Facebook alone, they had gotten wind of the magazine and wanted to be a part of it. While interviewing the men of Day 26, I realized they were still real people, and their fame and prosperity had not changed them. Mike, in particular, was a bit standoffish at first, but he later warmed up to me. I gathered from the interview that these young men are trying to find their place in the business while still trying to make good music for their fans.

Tell us a little about the photo shoot you all did at The Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC). How was it all arranged?

Going to ADAC was a fluke because we were initially looking to do the shoot at The Aurum Lounge. After playing phone tag a few times with the owner, I called ADAC and spoke to Katherine about the magazine and what we wanted to do for a shoot there. Two days later, Anna Hajiyev (Art Director of USL Magazine) and I went for a tour, and we were introduced to the showroom owners who became a part of the shoot. Everyone at ADAC was very inviting except for one showroom, which will remain nameless in my book. Overall the shoot lasted for 8 hours. Anna shot 7 girls (Kotera, Kenya, Deanna, Tiana, Brynne, Kierra & Elena) and 2 dogs (Gracie & Coda) in 5 showrooms (J Nelson, August Avery, Moattar, Innovations USA & Smith Grubbs Associate) with 2 make-up artists (Patrice Story & Letitia), 2 hairstylists (Tamiko Burk & CJ), 2 wardrobe stylist (Nera B & Tomiko Couture), a clothing designer (Crystal of Nya Nya Couture) and 3 assistants (Papa, Manny & Ashley Dniece).

From what I’ve read, the magazine initially had a release date of Sept 2011. What changed the release date to some three months later?

 Believe it or not, we had been working so hard to have a release for September, but as you know, sometimes your plan doesn’t co-align with God’s plan. It’s hellish writing a magazine, especially when you want it to be perfect. Everyone contributing has to follow the plan and timetable set to accomplish everything if you hope to launch on time. We had three main problems which sidelined the launch of the magazine. One was getting the writers and transcriptionists to finish up with the interviews and editing, and then we had a late shoot because I wanted to include a local boutique in the premiere issue. Finally, the mother of all mothers happened; I began losing sight. I had been having problems focusing my eyes a month earlier, but I thought it was because I wasn’t getting enough sleep in school full-time and working on two magazines simultaneously. Then one morning, I woke up and saw doubles, and my eyes were going in and out of focus. You are talking about a scary situation. This went on for over 6 weeks, even after seeing the optometrist, who said I had a lot of CVS (computer vision syndrome) from being on the computer. Everything suffered from that point because I needed my eyes for everything I had to do. I got a 3.0 last semester because I could not spend hours on the computer. Now over two months later, I still have eye problems occasionally, but it’s not as severe as initially.

So you’re finally launching USL Magazine, a January/February issue; what do you all have planned for the spring and summer issues?

For the Spring issue, which will come out sometime between March and April, Celebrity DJ/Model Sky Nellor will be on the cover. We want feature interviews from Anthony Q (formerly of Day 26), Frank Ski, Miss Sophia, Diana Degarmo, prominent DJs in LA, some TV stars, and many others. A well-known rapper will be on the cover for the summer issue, plus we will be heading to Miami soon, where we will be shooting models for our summer swimsuit fashion spread. That’s all I’m going to say for now.

I hear you have a few online contests you’re about to launch. Can you give us some insight into the Fashion Sense Contest and what that entails?

The Fashion Sense Contest is definitely a signature brand of USL Magazine. I initially created it so that the readers could participate and be a part of the magazine, whether they were actual models or not. The Fashion Sense Contest is a process where we look for people for their everyday fashion inspiration. So, you can look for many different Fashion Sense Contests to come in which we will be giving away more electronics and teaming up with clothing designers, boutiques, and online retailers for co-branding purposes. USL Magazine has also teamed up with Anna Hajiyev Photography for a monthly “One Look Make Over Contest,” and it’s exactly as it says.

As a magazine editor, you basically control every aspect of the publication. When you are choosing models, what do you look for?

 Since I’ve been in the fashion scene for years, beginning my modeling career at 17, I’m more interested in a model’s personality than how shapely or cut their bodies are. Yes, I want a good-looking model that can sell a product, but if they are unique or possess a great vibe, they will draw me to them quicker.

Let’s talk about your cover model for the premiere issue. Kotera? Why her? What did you see in her to say; she’s the one for my magazine?

Believe it or not, when I saw Kotera from the photos during the model contest on Facebook, I wasn’t impressed at first. It was only when I invited her and the other female models to our first fashion shoot at ADAC that I realized the talents she possessed. Kotera is a natural. During the shoot, she required the most minor direction; her poses were on-point as if she could communicate to the camera telepathically. Anna only shot her once because she had to leave early for school, but that shot in the chair spoke volumes. If Kotera stays focused, keeps her business intact, and stays hungry, she will go far in the modeling world.

There are many magazines out there. Why start a magazine now, and what does USL Magazine possess that will make it stand out from the rest?

USL Magazine isn’t about recreating the wheel. However, it is about offering exciting and compelling stories, features, and hot topics people only think about and dare not say. The Atlanta market needs a magazine for an industry showing rapid growth. The music/entertainment industry here in Atlanta is buzzing because of the new tax breaks offered to new businesses. Being a magazine for artists and entertainers on the cusp of their careers is definitely needed, so that’s why USL Magazine is formatted the way it is. Plus, the magazine has favored. And when you have favor from God, that is all you need. I am genuinely humbled by the talent God has blessed me to work with thus far, and this is not even the tip of the iceberg. Refreshingly free-spirited is a moniker I want people to remember about the magazine and that we will always be honest about our business and continue to give people opportunities as long as I, my affiliates, and USL Magazine are appreciated.

Introduction Article By Patrick A. Kelly
Interview By Percy Howard

What was once dubbed “gay people’s music,” house/dance music is the signature sound for mainstream America as top artists and performers incorporate its high, synth tempos, deep bass, heavy drums, syncopated melodies and funky rhythms into hits that are driving pop-culture. From hip-hop to pop and R&B, dance music is raking in millions for artists and DJ’s. Everybody is getting paid, and the fans are only getting bigger as many are crossing over to experience the hype. No one would know that more than the EC Twins who not only have been credited “for the boom in Electronic Music in the U.S.A.,” but they have had many successes including a remix for super-duo LMFAO (“Champagne Showers”) and the resurgence of 90s Dance star CeCe Peniston, who was at the top of her game with smash hits like “Finally,” “We Got A Love Thang” and Keep On Walkin.”

 When you experience an EC Twins set, their deejaying skills and selections are rivaled only by their own personas. And to top it off, “you don’t often see doubles in the DJ booth. Not just DJ’s and producers, they are trendsetters with an attitude and style many would interpret as bitchie. But when you get to know them, you would realize that the attitude comes from self-determination and years of struggles. They’ve had to prove themselves over and over again. Life didn’t come easy, they were poor and finally crawled their way to success. So why should anyone else get off lightly?!

 Now that they’ve reached a pinnacle of success, the Twins know that keeping that success takes constant practice, re-inventing themselves and staying way ahead of the “trolls,” as they would put it. So, “I chose to give them a cover feature because they were two good-looking twins who were not only talented, but they know what struggling means and have talent to back-up the B.S. that constantly try to rival true artistry.”

Most people can explain explicitly what their love or passion is for why they do what they do. For example, a dancer could say “when I dance, I transcend into my own state of euphoria.” What experience do you feel when you’re at the height of your game (artistry)?

Honestly, we’re just relieved that we don’t live in the projects anymore and are finally doing what we love for a living instead of the dead end jobs that have been our only alternative. Our 2 most identifiable emotions are infinite gratitude to the fans for making everything we do possible and fear that we could end up back where we came from.

How would you describe your style of deejaying?

High Energy, Emotional, improvisational and interactive.

So how’s the love life? What’s your type? What peaks your interest?

It’s hard to decipher a real connection from a potential DJ groupie or a gold digger nowadays, so it’s safest to love the music first and the personal stuff is way down on the list of priorities for us. House music is our bitch. We do like exotic brunettes though… Different races are interesting to us!

If you weren’t getting paid to DJ or create music, would you still do it?

Yes of course, we’ve done this our whole lives and only recently made a career out of it. Music has a very cathartic effect on us, it helps to heal old wounds or find reason in them. Everyone loves music, but we love it with a passion that is reserved for only the true obsessives. After Eye Candy (our club night) we had a period of time out of the scene, trying to get legal immigration status in the USA, we lost everything in the process and became homeless. We still managed to produce a track thanks to friends and practiced in one way or another every single day.

We know that sometimes entertainers create a persona that’s not their true self… What are the elements that make up who you are and is the persona and you as a person one within the same?

It’s a good question. The truth is The EC Twins and Marc & Allister Blackham are the same people, but in private Marc & Allister are very low key. The EC Twins are like our evil quadruplets, they just come to life the minute the music starts. It’s not a conscious decision, once the beat starts, something inside shifts gear and those two lunatics take over. It’s not a choice; it’s not a created persona. It’s probably a symptom of schizophrenia.

Were there ever a time when you doubted who you are or what you wanted before your current successes?

Everyone doubts themselves; every single person has their own Demons. Because of our personal journey and our humble beginnings, our insecurities are probably exaggerated a million times more than other artists. But that’s why we work so hard and why we connect so personally with our fans and appreciate our careers and what house music has given us. It’s the reason why we approach every performance as if it is our last. Our whole lives we’ve dreamed of being involved in the music industry, we never decided to be DJ’s; that part was organic, but now it’s here and we don’t ever want to do anything else. This is everything to us.

What is your most memorable experience while deejaying at nightclubs and events?

 For us the memories all began whilst running our first ever club nights Eye Candy in Edinburgh. They shaped our understanding of the entire industry from an artistic perspective and from a business perspective, so they’ll always be cherished. Other than that, the connections with the crowd that can’t be tracked down to one moment or even one night are all fond memories. It’s like a universal connection between us and all these beautiful strangers, some of whom don’t even speak the same language, yet somehow through the music you connect on a deeper level. That’s the memory that we fall asleep to every night, which wakes us up every morning. It’s much more fundamental than one particular superficial moment, it can happen whilst playing to 100 people or 100,000. It’s the same feeling that leads to the same memory; a feeling of unity. We live and die for that sh*t.

Of all the acts you’ve worked with… who can you say was or is the most enlightening as far as artistry is concerned?

It wouldn’t be fair to pick one, because we’re surrounded by so many talented artists right now, with diverse and inspiring personalities. Paul Oakenfold and Dirty Vegas were the first big boys to reach out to us and it’s nice to have friends like Dimitry Vegas and Like Mike too, because we’re in a similar peer group. Other than that, look to the answer to your next question for all the great artists we’re currently collaborating with.

Tell us about your upcoming projects?

Our next release is an EC Twins remix on Ultra Music for Black Boots “Sex Cult” and we’ve been through a huge period of collaborations recently. A few things are coming up with some of our personal favorite, underrated producers that we managed to stalk down to work with us. Projects with Bass Kleph, Dmitry KO, Plastik Funk, Reece Low, Darrigo and so many more are in the works. We’re in the zone right now! It used to take us a month to finish a track, whereas right now we can bang one out every day. We’re really excited for our 2014 releases.
What is your perception of the progression of dance and electronic music in North America? Where do you see it in the next 5 or 10 years?

It has become the biggest cultural shift in modern times. The current electronic music scene is “Flower Power” for the ‘Millennials’ and it’s not going anywhere any time soon. The kids are all in to it and will carry it in to their adulthood, so it’s a long, fun ride ahead. We’ve been credited with playing a big part in the US growth that has led to the global phenomenon and we intend to play a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter. In terms of the sound, we see a shift in to real songs right now, but it really won’t matter. Good music is good music and we’ll be at the forefront until our last breath.

Remixes and nightclub appearances are the bread and butter for any DJ. And successful remixes help build a DJ’s status, provide more work and opportunities. Which of your projects would you say was the most successful (in overhaul experience), and what was the most important lesson learned from that project?

There are three different projects and three different lessons: One, “Little White Doves” – Dirty Vegas (EC Twins & Remy Le Duc Remix) – The Success: It’s still the cult classic for die hard EC Twins fans. Lesson Learned: A big room progressive track won’t get relevant exposure on a deep house label. Two, “You’ve Never Seen” – EC Twins & CeCe Peniston – The Success: It introduced us to a global audience and garnered respect from Hardwell, Tiesto, Chuckie, Snader Van Doorn and more. Lesson learned: Have a follow up ready to go! And three, “Set The World On Fire” (Groove Cruise Anthem) – EC Twins & Kalendr Feat. Koko Laroo – The Success: This record is still growing and finding an audience and is being added to radio station playlists every day. Lesson learned: It’s great to put stuff out on your own label, but the exposure from a big label is always helpful if you can get a chance.
What are your top 7 party venues and why?

 We like the Marquee in Las Vegas because it started the “Electronic Music Only” policy in Vegas clubs. Create in LA is our current favorite venue in our hometown. Of course Eye Candy in Scotland because it was our baby and saved us from a life spent living in the projects and working in a dead end job. We like Tommorrowland in Belgium because it represented hard in Europe. We like Osheaga Festival in Montreal because of the fact that it’s a fresh indie festival with room for huge growth, Hard Rock in San Diego because we’ve spent so many pivotal dates playing there (including Halloween and New Year Eve) and anywhere we play in the future because we’ve only just begun our journey.

If you could mentor any young man or woman out there wanting to get into the music business, what are five things you would tell him/her to look out for?
If we’ve noticed one mistake from a lot of our colleagues whose careers had not lasted as long as ours, it’s trying too hard to please the critics. One minute they’re smashing big rooms with their sounds, the next they’re in a back room playing “Afro Latin Tech” or some sh*t because the trolls got into their heads and turned them into snobs. Not that there’s anything up with “Afro Latin Tech” if it’s in your heart, there’s something up with changing what’s in your heart to please a bunch of tossers. F#ck the critics and f#ck the experts. Go out there, work really hard, don’t feel entitled to anything, be unarguably great at what you do, hold your head high and please yourself. Don’t apologize for doing what you love. The crowd will speak with their attendance and the trolls will hop on board when you’re a big success because they’re f#cking sheep’s beneath it all. Beware the trolls!

Connect with the EC Twins:
Twitter: @ectwins
Factbook: ectwinsmusic
Instagram: @ectwins
Web: www.ectwinsmusic.com
Interview By Patrick Kelly
Twitter: @PrettyboyPK

Everybody in hip-hop knows who Big Tigger is, and if he or she does not know, he or she has been sleeping under a rock for the past 15 years. Darian “Big Tigger” Morgan was the host way back when “Rap City: Tha Basement” brought us the hottest hip-hop artists who were relevant then. Tigger was and is a staple at BET (the only national African American cable network), hosting shows like BET’s number one music show “106 and Park,” “BET Style,” “BET Uncut,” and most recently, the “BET Awards 2012 Post Show.” Tigger has also had a wealth of successes as a host and DJ in radio and syndication. He has deejayed at WPGC (95.5) in Washington, D.C. and 92 Q in Baltimore, Md., as well as Power 105.1 (New York’s Hip-Hop & R&B Station) and now V103, “The People’s Station,” in Atlanta, Ga.

Being from B-More (Baltimore), I remembered how Tigger use to rock at WPGC and 92 Q. Working at two of the top radio stations in the region, man, the brother use to pull out all the stops. I remembered one night I was listening to one of his mixes, and I kid you not. This kat was hitting so hard that I pulled my little blue 1987 Toyota Camry to the side of the road, got out, and started dancing my ass off on the edge of the road. Lol!

I have had an affinity for Big Tigger since then, but the deal was sealed when the crew and I met him during Ne-Yo’s Malibu Red event in the “A” (Atlanta) last summer. You know, sometimes people get a little fake when they are in the spotlight. However, you could tell this brother was genuine. He was not aware of who we were, yet he still gave us the time of day. He was cool, really down-to-earth, and just funny as hell. Moreover, that is why I gave Big Tigger the cover, not because he is Big Tigger (well, a little bit), but because at the end of the day he remains true to who he is, and he is not bad on the eyes. You know I cannot have no “Mitch” on the cover.

Now, I had the opportunity to interview him personally and just to bullet-point without giving up all the details… I asked him to give me five things he would tell an artist to look out for if they are trying to get into the biz, and he said, “Get a good lawyer/manager cuz these dudes is shady!” Now that is all five things right there. Lol! It is that real! My interpretation is that no matter what, at the end of the day, it is about getting and keeping your business tight; nothing else matters. So it is true; some of these dudes and chicks out here are wicked. You gotta “keep ya game up!”

So during the interview, Big Tigger talked about the type of woman he likes; of course, we had to get that in for the ladies and those haters out there. He also talked about his passion and love for his work, his style of deejaying, his most memorable experience as a DJ, his favorite nightclubs, and what he has coming up for 2014.

Most people can explain explicitly what their love or passion is for why they do what they do. For example, a dancer could say, “When I dance, I transcend into my state of euphoria.” What experience do you feel when you’re at the height of your game (artistry)?

Tigger: There’s no better feeling than when you are in the zone, and whatever you say or play puts other people into their zone! Whether I am Deejaying or hosting, it is incredible to know whatever you do makes an impact in someone’s daily life!

How would you describe your style of deejaying?

Tigger: In a word, flexible! I can spin at clubs, NBA games, bah mitzvahs, on air, or at weddings. I can mix old-school hip-hop and r&b, pop, EDM, and trap music, and nobody will be mad at it. I can turn up in the club or keep it sexy!

So how’s the love life? What’s your type? What piques your interest?

Tigger: Love life is awesome! A woman of class, intelligence, drive, goals, inner and outer beauty, and a humorous/silly side to her are all desired qualities in a woman. I love a flexible woman who can turn up in hood environments and navigate corporate events. Add “lady in the street and a freak in the bed, ” and you have perfection!

Would you still do it if you were not paid to DJ or create music?

Tigger: I would. I have been deejaying since age 15! I do not get paid for my podcasts, but I love doing them. I have done 49 FREE podcasts (available on iTunes) in the last two years and 2.9 million downloads later, and I am still excited every time I drop a new one!

Sometimes entertainers create a persona that’s not their true self. What elements make up who you are, and are the persona and you as a person one within the same?

Tigger: I have been blessed to be very successful while being myself. Big Tigger is my more outgoing side, but it is still the real me. I am kind of quiet when not out in public.

Was there ever a time when you doubted who you were or what you wanted before your current successes?

Tigger: I never doubted who I was. I still have doubts about the future from time to time about everything. It is human nature.

What is your most memorable experience while deejaying at nightclubs and events?

Tigger: I opened for Kid Capri at the NBA Players’ official ball when All-Star was in D.C. with Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Dr. J, and others in the building, and I smashed! It was dope to have Magic Johnson come up to me and say, “Boy, you were rocking!” Also, back in the days when No Limit was crazy, I Deejayed a homecoming party in Virginia State, and when I dropped “Make Me Say Uhhhhh” after about three other No Limit joints, the illest fight broke out cuz people got too damn hyped! They almost threw a dude from the 2nd floor!

Of all the acts you have worked with, who is the most enlightening about artistry?

Tigger: I haven’t Deejayed for many artists, but I recorded, shot a video, and performed on tour with R. Kelly! Amazing to watch him work on four songs at once!

Tell us about your upcoming projects.

Tigger: I am re-launching my website BigTigger.com and started my new Big Tigger Foundation! The Big Tigger Celebrity Classic began in June 2014, and this time it is in Atlanta for its 10th year! I am the new official DJ of the Atlanta Hawks, and I have some other things in development, but can’t let that out yet!

What is your perception of the progression of dance and electronic music in North America? Where do you see it in the next five or ten years?

Tigger: EDM is HUGE! I am good at it but wish I was exceptional at it… I see DJs spinning in front of 10,000 to 30,000 in stadiums and wish I could get down like that. If I applied myself, I could get to that level, but I am not passionate about it like Hip Hop & R&B! I think it is here to stay but will evolve as it already has with Trap-House, etc.

Remixes and nightclub appearances are the bread and butter for any DJ. Also, successful remixes help build a DJ’s status and provide more work and opportunities. Which of your projects would you say was the most successful (in overhaul experience), and what was the most important lesson learned from that project?

Tigger: I would say the five years I spent as DJ for the Washington Wizards! It gave me exposure to different groups of people and corporations! That exposure allowed me to spin for the Redskins, Maryland Terps, Kentucky Wildcats, Macy’s, and others. Corporate checks are awesome!

What are your top-7 party venues?

Tigger: In no specific order: Reign in Atlanta, Bamboo in Miami, Park in DC, Beamers/Prive in Dallas, LIV in Miami, Dream in Miami, and Rehab in Vegas.

What would you tell them if you could mentor any young man or woman out there wanting to get into the music business?

Tigger: Get a good lawyer/manager cuz these dudes are shady!

Connect with Big Tigger:
Twitter: @BigTiggerShow Facebook: BigTiggerShow Instagram: @BigTiggerShow Podomatic: BigTiggerShow

Interview By Patrick Kelly | Twitter: @PrettyboyPK
Photo By: Insana Collins

Check out Dawn Richard and her new album “Goldenheart.”

The music industry is one of the most challenging industries to break into and gain success. Moreover, while so many talented people are vying for discovery, success, and fame, one would do better playing the lottery than becoming a pop star. At least with the lottery, you only have to purchase a ticket and pray that your number comes up and not go through the rigors of chasing fame and fending off con artists, crooks, and liars. The cost is minimal, not the excessive amounts major labels spend on their acts to recoup advances and build revenue. Let’s not speak about the fact that so many of your favorite major label artists, including the ones on TV and being chased by the paparazzi, may not be as successful and extravagant as they appear. They may not be in the most agreeable contracts, at least not for them, that is, signing their lives away for the glitz and bragging rights.

The independent music business is no better because all imprints or indies with major distributions have major label backing. Those indies (labels and artists) who are not privy to the support of a major label may not have the funds to promote a good quality record after being correctly mixed and mastered. Also, indie artists without a label, well, they are just in dire situations. They are trying to rub pennies together for a decent EP or mixtape. Like the economy, many are in a financial downturn, unable to afford actual production, properly mixed and mastered songs, $500 for a good website, $300 for a decent photographer, or even $100 for an adequately designed promotional flyer. Most of them take the cheap route only to net an unfavorable return.

Promotion is the key to success in the music industry, and it causes many independent labels and artists alike to go limp because of the lack thereof. So while the internet has had a more favorable effect on artists wanting to produce and sell their music, the major labels have a better advantage over the indies because they have been at it longer. They have more money, connections, and know-how to play the game. Plus, most indie labels and artists do not have the proper administrative and legal support, promotional budget, tour support, recognition, and placement to become successful.

Now if one happens to sign to a major label, have success, and is now traveling the daunting road to the other side, their luck is a lot better than a no-name artist. At least these once-major artists have name recognition, somewhat of a cash reserve, depending on whether they were screwed in their contracts, and a substantial following on social media, which is a precious thing to have as an artist. Let’s just say that having a built-in fanbase, great music, great photos, and promo videos shot with a Canon DSLR can work wonders for the success of an indie artist.

In this issue, we are so proud to feature on our 16th cover Miss Dawn Richard, who has been a part of Danity Kane and Diddy Dirty Money. Dawn released her debut album “Goldenheart” on her indie label, Our Dawn Entertainment, which Andrew “Druski” Scott majorly produces. “Goldenheart” hit No. 1 on the iTunes R&B album chart, and other subsequent successes from the album followed, including one million+ video views on Youtube and a distribution deal with Altavoz. She is to be commended for her efforts because that was a very BRAVE thing to do! Going solo after being in two successful groups takes kahunas! Going solo and indie simultaneously, some may consider this a death wish compared to major label figures. However, Dawn was BRAVE and determined to head her label and “make it work” with few counterparts at the helm.

We have had the opportunity to sit down with Dawn Richard in a Q&A, and this is what she had to say…

Love. Loss. Redemption. How significant are these three words to you, and how have they paved the way for you finally becoming a solo artist?

They are words that define moments in my life, words that are so familiar, I feel, in most people’s lives. I took these words and made them Frames to an empty canvas. And with my music, I started painting.

Any special person in the picture right now, or is it just all work and no play?

I have to play. Playing keeps me sane. I am too sensual not to play.

How’s your family doing after being uprooted from New Orleans to Baltimore? They must be so proud to witness your successes after such trying times.

My family would be proud of me if I carried groceries for a woman across the street. They are just amazing that way. But, yes, they are proud. I am proud to have such great people in my life. Where most expect parents to stop supporting you after you hit a specific place in your life, my parents never leave. I am lucky.

Initially, I thought Diddy Dirty Money was a joke. However, by giving Diddy his props, he made a sound judgment in including you and Kaleena in the group. I thought you guys were amazing at how you came together to make music people were not ready for but did it so well. Just putting it out there, I would love to see you and Kaleena on a track together. It would be hot and dope, especially now that there is such change in the air; that renaissance. So would you be game for a Kaleena, Dawn collaboration?

I would be game for any collab… with a great artist. She is great, and It would be like old times!

I know you told DJ Envy and the crew you did not want to wait for the major labels to release your album; you had to get the music out (paraphrasing). Why such fire and determination?

Passion brings fire to the soul. I had a voice. I wanted it to be heard. An artist needs that outlet. With each album, I find amazing new talents and hidden gems along the way. When you find these “epic” moments, they cannot be confined. They should not be confined. They need to be free, to be given to the world. I needed my art to be given to the world on my terms.

“Goldenheart” is the name of your first debut album on Our Dawn Entertainment, which is part of a trilogy to include albums “Blackheart” and “Redemptionheart.” What’s the significance of those names?

Each moment for me signifies a color. Golden – Naive, Black – Loss, and Red- Redemption.

Did Sean Combs offer any help in Our Dawn Entertainment start-up as well as the promotion of the album and videos?

I am independent now. I left Bad Boy. Everything I do now is on me.

What lesson can you tell our readers that you have learned in coming from being in the limelight, having other people worrying about your success, to now being in the hot seat as the boss, worrying about the bottom line?

This is life. This is the cycle. You learn. You practice. You apply.

In watching your interview with Power 105 DJ Envy, there seem to be some humbling life experiences, and I am not just speaking of what you and your family went through after Katrina. You spoke so openly about the hard road of starting a business and the blood, sweat, and sometimes not eating one goes through when trying to become successful. Can you speak on any decisions you had to make to get the label up and the album out that made you get some Ramen instead of linguine Alfredo with chicken and broccoli? Lol!

Well, I had the Alfredo; I just made it myself. Lol. I am a hippie anyway. I never put a value on things as some do. I had a company. I wanted to win. So I slept on couches. I saved money. I walked everywhere. I made sacrifices to create the art. So it did not feel like a sacrifice. It felt like freedom. “I wasn’t worried about numbers and famous shit.” I was having fun building a brand.

Jonathan Bogart of The Atlantic wrote, “Richard remains true to the oldest and most important standards of R&B.” With so many people saying or have said that R&B music is dead, what does Jonathan’s statement mean to you?

I am happy people hear the root of where my music starts. Though I like to mix sounds and experiment with genres, I never lose focus of the root. R&B and soul drive the force of my sound. It is great when people get your vision. It means you do not dream alone.

With the success of “Goldenheart,” you are now revving up for the next album of the trilogy “Blackheart.” In watching the video on Kickstarter to raise awareness and get the fans (Hearts) involved, you said, “With a few, we do a lot.” Who are the involved parties in your group, and how have each contributed significantly to building that “family unit?

It is really my “aces in the whole” Kyle Cabrol and Kalub. They keep the ship running. It is insane to think it is just us. However, if you think about what we have done, you see only three of us. It puts things in perspective. Say what you will about numbers and all this bull, but one year off a major label, three projects, no label, a handful of people, and we had a number 1 each time. Not bad hearts. Not bad at all.

You said, “This is your chance to change the game, rewrite the rules, and rage against the machine.” What advice can you give another artist, such as yourself, who has to make that daunting decision about their music career?

Prepare for war!

What’s next for Dawn Richard with Our Dawn Entertainment and Blackheart?

I will be starring in a film in 2014 produced by K. Hebron. I will be coming out with a Fall 2013 fashion collection called “Lion Ambition,” which we are partnering with Coal-n-Terry and many more surprises.

Interview By: Patrick Kelly for USL Magazine