 Yonkers, New York, born and raised soulful crooner, Anthony Flammia is carving his footprint into the music industry. From collaborating with the likes of Flatbush Zombies and Dave East to using the social media app, Vine, to connect with his strong following of dedicated fans. The young “Velvet Sky” hit maker blends his raspy vocals in serene elements while being acknowledged by the likes of MTV, HYPETRAK and Hot 97 to name a few. After performing around the world, FLAMM is ready to release his next anticipated project with the lead single, “So Real,” before heading on tour. Next up, Anthony Flammia. Shuffling through paperwork, careful not to spill mimosa on my notes, in comes Anthony. A genuine ball of energy that can soften even the prickliest disposition.  J: What attracted you to the Sherman Preston brand? How did you get involved with the HYPE campaign? A: I was found by Sherman and Preston around 2008 when they booked me for my first show ever. We both came up in college together. Yeah 2008-2009, that’s when I found my love for music and they found me. It was actually my first paid show in Boston. Through that I always admired the brand and I love how they carry themselves. They carry themselves with a certain decor, elegance, what’s the word? Je ne sais quois (Laughter). You definitely know what you're getting when you go to the Sherman|Preston brand. You know you're going to get a certain level of class and there’s a certain level of beauty that’s involved. J: Describe your personal style, its evolution and how it has changed over the years. A: I love to push myself as much as I can in any route. I’m an extremist you know. When I started working with Sherman and Preston, I had the wild style. One day I was wearing a big ass button down with shorts, boat shoes and a fedora. Then the next, I come to the shoot with some Timberlands on, a pair of cargos and a hoodie. It can go anywhere (Laughter). I’ve never been afraid to be the person to push that limit and see where I can take myself in terms of fashion. I love trying new things and I'm just a clean canvas for whatever I feel like wearing to express myself. J: Because you are so fashion forward and you're willing to try anything, is there anything, looking back, that you would say is the worst outfit that you have ever worn? A: I can’t call it the worst but it was the most interesting. In college, I had the tightest pants in the world. They were these black tight pants that I don't know … um … that was my thing (Laughter). Either the acid wash blacks or the light blue tight jeans. It would be those and these Aldo shoes. My two things that everybody knew was me. I would wear snow hats with the floppy ears no matter what time of the year, it was just my thing. I also had gloves and I would cut off the rockstar fingers, the I love you fingers, you know what I’m saying? *makes gesture* I would just walk around like this is me, with my shirt buttoned all the way to the top. I even had a messenger bag and I played ball. That was the thing, you would never guess I could hoop by the way I dressed (Laughter). "It’s everything because it lets people know before you open your mouth your feel…your vibe. You can exude your energy to a person by how you present yourself"J: Fast forwarding to career wise now and personal style, how important do you think personal style plays into the actual role as an artist? A: It’s everything because it lets people know before you open your mouth your feel…your vibe. You can exude your energy to a person by how you present yourself. So it’s everything you know? It lets them know who you are and where you came from a little bit. J: You could bring back the snow hats (laughter). A: I could. You never know. It might happen (laughter). J: If I ever see you in a snow hat, I’m never going to let that go (Laughter). When did you start singing? Was it something you started when you were little and kind of progressed? A: Singing was always a part of my life. Growing up I didn’t have any free periods. My mother made sure I was always in something at all times whether it was sport, extracurriculars, community service, or singing. I sang at the Rockefeller center lighting when I was little, sang at the White House with choirs and all that. But I did it because there were girls in the class and it was fun (Laughter). I played ball my whole life and went to college, played for like half a year and found out I didn’t love basketball as much as I thought I did. My sophomore year I didn't know what to do with my fingers and I taught myself how to play the piano when I was like 18 by hearing videos of John Legend playing “Ordinary People”. I listened to that and learned. I brought my piano with me to college and that was a cheat code for girls (Laughter). Through just living my sophomore year, I fell in love for the first time and had my heart broken for the first time. It was right on time because I needed a creative outlet for all this energy I had from that experience. I wrote my first song that year and what made me fall in love with it was performing and seeing the impact it was leaving on other people. Seeing that I'm actually helping people now, making people’s lives better just from doing what I like to do. When you invest yourself in any industry, no matter what, you’re going to run into some form of bullshit. Like with basketball I ran into the bullshit and found out I didn’t really love basketball like that. With music, the energy that you get from being on stage, letting yourself go, giving yourself to people and having them receive you and reciprocating that energy, you can’t get that feeling from anywhere else. I fell in love with that. There’s nothing like performing, there’s nothing like, you know, putting a smile on people’s faces just by being who you are. Through that I don't care what bullshit comes. I’ve been doing this since 2009 and there’s been bullshit but it’s like, this is a part of it. J: Very true, you have to take the good and the bad. Throughout your career what would you say would be the highest and the lowest part of it? A: The “lowest” because it was an experience I learned the most from, I performed at St. John, I hadn’t put out my first album, barely had any music out. I just played the piano and had a band, which my brother played in as well, I was on the bill with 2 Chainz, Kendrick Lamar, Fred The Godson, Lloyd, all these huge names right? Everybody came for 2 Chainz because this was when “Riding Round and I’m Getting It” first came out. He was the man. There was a 30 minute break, it was Spring Fling, full of college kids and people were getting restless. I’m hearing the crowd chanting “2 Chainz, 2 Chainz” next thing I know they’re announcing “Are you guys ready for this next artist? Give it up for Anthony Flammia!” before I even start a note, two thousand people in unison “BOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” I’m just like yo, WOW. Honestly it didn’t hurt and that’s like the worst fear for any artist but luckily I had my brother, Justin, on stage playing guitar and he just looked at me like “You ready?” and I was like “Hell yeah!” I sang my first song called “Round and Round” and the fellas always resonate with that one. There was a lot of love and anger behind it. So the fellas started catching on. Then I started on “My Kind Of Love” and I’m a Disney dude at heart; I make a lot of love songs so the ladies started catching on and by the end of the set they were fucking with me. J: I would’ve ran after hearing all those boos. I would’ve told 2 Chainz he has to go out (laughter). A: (Laughter) Some of the highest points, is seeing how people gather themselves and resonate to my latest song called “So Real” especially on Vine. It started out as a vine, on a 6 second loop, and what happened with that song and how people came together off of that song, it’s something you can't even pay for. It wound up having 6.5 million loops and people were making their own remix vines with the music in the background and dancing with their children or with their pets. People just coming together. It was everything I had been praying for. This is my purpose on this earth, bringing people together and doing what I love. So it happens and it’s happening still. My purpose is to have multiple songs being played throughout the whole world that has people dancing and smiling, I made one so far - I’m blessed and the next one is coming. "I love people that aren’t scared to be themselves. Freddy Mercury was kind of a wild dude. He’s a beast and didn’t really care about nothing."J: It’s funny you say that because my next question is about social media and how it adds to your career. A: It changed my life. Vine alone changed my life. About a year ago, November, I went on tour independently by raising the money on indiegogo.com. I raised five thousand dollars and then I had another investor that helped me and I hit LA, Austin, Atlanta, D.C., London, was booked for Paris but then the bombings happened and they blocked off Paris so we couldn't get in, and Toronto. Just off of social media alone, LA was packed, full of people I didn’t know and that creeped me out. I was like “What the hell?”. People are asking me to sing songs off of my Soundcloud from mad years ago and I’m like “YOOOOOO, that’s awesome!”. In London I had two shows, I did the first show in the Chandos house, that was packed and I did it with my homegirl. The second show was at the library in central London, there was about four to five people in the motherfucker and I was like “aight”. So we went to the strip to see what kind of crowd we could generate performing in the street. So walking around central London, a girl stops me and goes “Bloody hell you’re Flammia eh?” I was on the other side of the pond and I’m from Yonkers, NY .... it blew my mind (Laughter) so I invited them to the show with front row seats. J: You mentioned John Legend earlier and how his song helped you learn to play piano. Who would you say are your biggest influences? A: So Stevie Wonders, Sade, Bill Withers, Erykah Badu, Jadakiss, X, HOV, Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Hendrix , and Frank Sinatra, I grew up on all of that. My father was musician, and my mother was a dancer/singer so they made sure I was well rounded. Beyonce! She’s playing right now and you can never go wrong with Beyonce. I find inspiration from any where and anyone that sings and has the heart to do what they love.  J: On the same token, do you have any style icons? It can still be an artist you already mentioned but fashion wise. A: I love people that aren’t scared to be themselves. Freddy Mercury was kind of a wild dude. He’s a beast and didn’t really care about nothing. Andre gets jiggy whenever he wants. Classic looks, I’d say David Beckham is that dude yo. Matthew McConaughey… every time I run I just think what would Matthew McConaughey be doing right now? he's running right now (Laughter). In terms of the Avant Garde, Erykah is the Queen. She’s just like whatever you know. J: Going back to the point where you mentioned how important style was to your career, what do you feel is harder? Being judged by your style or by your artistry? A: Honestly… either way judging is good because they're talking about you. The best way to be is to be yourself. Just know that you can live with whatever you’re doing and keep it up. Some people are going to love it and some people aren't and that's ok. As long as people are talking about you and you're in their hearts, minds and mouths, it’s good. J: What’s next for you? What are you working on now? What’s in the future? A: Finishing my next album, it doesn't have a name yet. I’m thinking of “Drinks On Flamm”. That’s me, I’m Flamm. We’ll see and just be on the look out for music that’ll make you feel good, make you smile, make you cry, make you dance, make you lay down go to sleep (laughter). By the end of my career, whenever that is, I want the whole world to feel like I’m their cousin, like they know me. J: Don’t be surprised when your fans start calling you cousin like “Hey cousin!” A: That’s fine because I have a big family I’m used to that (Laughter). As we wrap up another interview for the HYPE campaign we learned two things. Anthony Flammia is not only a genuinely great guy, but he's an artistic force to be reckoned with.... and also, he's that cousin we never thought we had. Stay tuned for our next interview with the maestro Danny Calderon!
- J. Jakes Anthony Flammia / Singer, Songwriter Label: Sounds Music Group Yonkers, NY Instagram: @flamm Twitter: @anthonyflammia Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/flamm
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 New York based singer/songwriter, Marco Foster, is on top of the world. After signing with mega superstar Flo Rida’s IMG Strongarm imprint, the DC native has performed everywhere from ABC’s Good Morning America stage to stadiums around the world on tour with Flo Rida. While releasing his vibrant, end of summer hit, “Candyman,” produced by DJ Michael Brun, and collaborating with the likes of TastyTreat on “sideways,” Marco is preparing to move the world to his beat. Sitting at the Sherman|Preston Fall/Winter lookbook shoot with my asssitant to my left and a cup full of mimosa to my right, I await our next interview. Enter Marco Foster, a delight to be around and a genuine calming energy. We talked on everything from style to music without skipping a beat. Let's take a second to get to know the man behind the soulful voice.  J: "Um… lets start with how you got involved with the whole Sherman|Preston campaign? M: "I was first introduced through a friend of mine named Evan over at High Fashion Living. He heard of Sherman|Preston and immediately thought about me. He put me in touch. It just felt really good, a natural feeling, style wise. I like things that organically come together." "Music is A powerful thing." |
 |  Today we sit down with "Goodbye Summer" model Sergio Acevedo. Sergio has been in New york city for about a year now and has been trail blazing ever since. From shoots to fashion week runways. Take a walk down memory lane and find out why we're so obsessed with Sergio Acevedo and why you should be too. |
Me: Were you born and raised in NYC?
Sergio: I was actually born in Allentown,PA. My stepfather was in the army so I grew up all over the East Coast. I've lived in 7 different states and went to more than 15 schools growing up. Basically all over Florida (Laughter)
Me: Now describe your personal style, tell me about the evolution of your style.
Sergio: I used to dress super urban, wearing clothes 3x bigger than me (Laughter). As I got older and started getting more into fashion it changed tremendously. My clothes are definitely more fitted and trendy these days. I would consider my style pretty versatile. It really just depends on what adventure I have planned that day.
Me: Would you say that you're the true definition of a New Yorker? All black everything, or do you appreciate a brighter pallet?
Sergio: I love New York. Being here only a year, I have definitely gotten used to the lifestyle pretty quickly. I would like to consider myself a true New Yorker (Laughter) but according to friends, I'm still a rookie considering I’ve only been here a year.. so guess I’m not? Anyway, I love all black, but like I said earlier my style is very versatile and depends on how I feel when I wake up. I love wearing things that bring attention and that are very appealing to the eye.
Sergio: I was actually born in Allentown,PA. My stepfather was in the army so I grew up all over the East Coast. I've lived in 7 different states and went to more than 15 schools growing up. Basically all over Florida (Laughter)
Me: Now describe your personal style, tell me about the evolution of your style.
Sergio: I used to dress super urban, wearing clothes 3x bigger than me (Laughter). As I got older and started getting more into fashion it changed tremendously. My clothes are definitely more fitted and trendy these days. I would consider my style pretty versatile. It really just depends on what adventure I have planned that day.
Me: Would you say that you're the true definition of a New Yorker? All black everything, or do you appreciate a brighter pallet?
Sergio: I love New York. Being here only a year, I have definitely gotten used to the lifestyle pretty quickly. I would like to consider myself a true New Yorker (Laughter) but according to friends, I'm still a rookie considering I’ve only been here a year.. so guess I’m not? Anyway, I love all black, but like I said earlier my style is very versatile and depends on how I feel when I wake up. I love wearing things that bring attention and that are very appealing to the eye.
Photographer: Greg Vaughan
Me: Are you inspired by NYC?
Sergio: Absolutely! The hustle is so real out here. Everyones energy and motivation to make it out here keeps me going.
Me: At what age would you say you became interested in fashion? Modeling?
Sergio: When I hit 21 people started telling me I should model. I was thrown off because I was the biggest dork (Laughter). You don’t want to see my Throwback Thursday pics. I was the true definition of an ugly duckling turned into a swan.
Me: What's it like being a model? Describe your journey getting into the business.
Sergio: Being a model is surreal. I never thought I would be in the place I am now. Growing up, I wasn't the best looking kid. I was super skinny, tall, with glasses, insecure and bullied a lot. I grew into myself and transformed. If it wasn’t for the support of family and friends, I wouldn't be where I am right now. They were the ones who pushed and believed in me. My journey was long and I had to deal with a lot of rejection. I sacrificed a lot to pursue my dreams but it has made me a stronger person...
... But here I am, doing what I always dreamed of because I never gave up even though I wanted to many times.
Sergio: Absolutely! The hustle is so real out here. Everyones energy and motivation to make it out here keeps me going.
Me: At what age would you say you became interested in fashion? Modeling?
Sergio: When I hit 21 people started telling me I should model. I was thrown off because I was the biggest dork (Laughter). You don’t want to see my Throwback Thursday pics. I was the true definition of an ugly duckling turned into a swan.
Me: What's it like being a model? Describe your journey getting into the business.
Sergio: Being a model is surreal. I never thought I would be in the place I am now. Growing up, I wasn't the best looking kid. I was super skinny, tall, with glasses, insecure and bullied a lot. I grew into myself and transformed. If it wasn’t for the support of family and friends, I wouldn't be where I am right now. They were the ones who pushed and believed in me. My journey was long and I had to deal with a lot of rejection. I sacrificed a lot to pursue my dreams but it has made me a stronger person...
... But here I am, doing what I always dreamed of because I never gave up even though I wanted to many times.
"I would consider my style pretty versatile. It really just depends on what adventure I have planned for the day."
Photographer: Karl Simone Me: What's your most important style rule?
Sergio: Wear what’s comfortable and always trust your gut. If you have to ask others for their opinion on what you’re wearing then u shouldn't wear it.
Me: What's the worst outfit you've ever worn?
Sergio: When I was 16 I wore this banana colored pin stripped button down and matching shorts. I'm sorry for the image in your head (Laughter).
Sergio: Wear what’s comfortable and always trust your gut. If you have to ask others for their opinion on what you’re wearing then u shouldn't wear it.
Me: What's the worst outfit you've ever worn?
Sergio: When I was 16 I wore this banana colored pin stripped button down and matching shorts. I'm sorry for the image in your head (Laughter).
Me: Are you a big accessory guy? What are some of your favorites?
Sergio: I use to be but it depends on the outfit. I like bracelets or some kind of wrist accessory. Necklaces not so much, it has to be pretty dope looking for me to wear it.
Me: How do you feel about watches? Do you feel every man should have one or are they only good for telling time?
Sergio: I'm not a fan of watches. I just look at my phone for the time, doesn't everyone? (Laughter).
Sergio: I use to be but it depends on the outfit. I like bracelets or some kind of wrist accessory. Necklaces not so much, it has to be pretty dope looking for me to wear it.
Me: How do you feel about watches? Do you feel every man should have one or are they only good for telling time?
Sergio: I'm not a fan of watches. I just look at my phone for the time, doesn't everyone? (Laughter).
"When I was 16 I wore this banana colored pin stripped button down and matching shorts. I'm sorry for the image in your head" (Laughter)
Me: Do you travel a lot? Do you find that the streetwear in different places are similar or very different from each other?
Sergio: I’ve actually started traveling a lot this year, I love it. I feel the styles are similar but other countries take more chances in fashion which I admire.
Sergio: I’ve actually started traveling a lot this year, I love it. I feel the styles are similar but other countries take more chances in fashion which I admire.
Photographer: Rick Day
Me: The most common style mistake men make?
Sergio: I would have to say when their outfit is dope and the shoes aren’t up to par.
Me: What's your favorite "fashion era|decade in fashion" style wise?
Sergio: I would have to say if the 50s and 80s could be mashed together, I would be the face of it. The 50s were so classic and the 80s were so funky, I feel that represents me and my style.
Me: In your opinion, what is one must have item in a man’s closet?
Sergio: Simple. Shoes and black chinos.
Me: What's your favorite fall/winter accessory? Spring/summer?
Sergio: Fall/winter I would say a scarf and for the spring/summer tank top.
Sergio: I would have to say when their outfit is dope and the shoes aren’t up to par.
Me: What's your favorite "fashion era|decade in fashion" style wise?
Sergio: I would have to say if the 50s and 80s could be mashed together, I would be the face of it. The 50s were so classic and the 80s were so funky, I feel that represents me and my style.
Me: In your opinion, what is one must have item in a man’s closet?
Sergio: Simple. Shoes and black chinos.
Me: What's your favorite fall/winter accessory? Spring/summer?
Sergio: Fall/winter I would say a scarf and for the spring/summer tank top.
Photographer: Ruben Thomas
Me: Black tie or super casual, which do you prefer?
Sergio: I prefer something in the middle.
Me: Did you attend any mens fashion week shows, or see any pics? any new collections your excited about?
Sergio: I actually walked in fashion week for LVL ViII and they are totally my style. Check them out!
Me: Favorite designer and why?
Sergio: It’s hard to choose just one but several of them are Calvin Klein, Givenchy, Armani and Versace.
Sergio: I prefer something in the middle.
Me: Did you attend any mens fashion week shows, or see any pics? any new collections your excited about?
Sergio: I actually walked in fashion week for LVL ViII and they are totally my style. Check them out!
Me: Favorite designer and why?
Sergio: It’s hard to choose just one but several of them are Calvin Klein, Givenchy, Armani and Versace.
Me: How would you describe street fashion in NYC?
Sergio: I love it! It’s very expressive of who they are. I love people watching on the streets and being inspired by other peoples fashion. It’s edgy, it’s raw, it’s sexy.
Me: What’s next for Sergio? Anything we should be looking out for?
Sergio: What’s next? I'm just getting started! Look out for a lot more. I want to continue growing as a model. I’m on my grind constantly. I'm also an actor so I am developing myself in that as well.
Sergio: I love it! It’s very expressive of who they are. I love people watching on the streets and being inspired by other peoples fashion. It’s edgy, it’s raw, it’s sexy.
Me: What’s next for Sergio? Anything we should be looking out for?
Sergio: What’s next? I'm just getting started! Look out for a lot more. I want to continue growing as a model. I’m on my grind constantly. I'm also an actor so I am developing myself in that as well.
So there you have it! Keep on the look out for Sergio Acevedo who promises to keep you on your toes. Also be on the look out for his GENT editorial debut in GENTNYC season 1 "GOODBYE SUMMER" coming this fall.
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