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#HYPE: Danny calderon

11/1/2016

6 Comments

 
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The maestro, Danny Calderon or Mr. Calderon, is on his way to becoming a household name in the nightlife scene. The New York native can be seen mixing top 40 hits with calypso vibes during his residency at places like The Living Room at The W Hotel Times Square, NY, or during New York fashion parties. The DJ, who also produces, balance’s the tempo of his budding career with being a mentor to up and coming disk jockeys in NY. While preparing for an exciting series of events during Art Basel Miami 2016, Mr. Calderon is also preparing to debut his debut album boasting a heavy list of features.

Last but not least, Mr. Danny Calderon himself. At this point my assistant and I were huddled in a corner surrounded by a pile of notes and empty glasses, a tad frazzled to say the least... but the moment Danny walked in we were immediately re-energized by his presence. Find out why Danny Calderon is about to be New Yorks favorite DJ.

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J: What attracted you to the Sherman|Preston and the #HYPE campaign?
D: I think Sherman and Preston, their presentation of art, it transcends everything. What I mean by that is that it's youthful, it's cultural, it's colorful, and decadent. There's a quality to it that brings out the best in the individual who wears it. Another factor is comfortability. It's very comfortable. You know you're going to look good and feel confident.

J: Walk me through your personal style journey. The evolution of your personal style.
D: Growing up as a New Yorker I was very much into the hiphop culture and I always had a passion for the preppy/varsity look. As the years went by, I was able to define what I feel comfortable in and that is Americana meets street wear. You know also the preppy look as well. All those elements combined, I tend to fuse that...incorporate that into my own look.

J: I tend to think I created that look. Back in high school, I was the first person wearing Hollister clothes with fitteds (laughter).

D: (Laughter) My thing was more Diesel. Like I would buy Diesel, Coogi, Iceberg, etc. At the time that I was in school and that was what was hot. Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica, Helly Hansen, those were all staple New York City looks. So all those things really drew an inspiration to me. The hip hop culture, the New York City culture was very impactful on my fashion taste and sense.

"Not being so selfish. As a music curator, a music selector, a music maker, you have to be keen to what people's expectations are."


​J:
How did you get into being a DJ? How did it all start?
D: I started out producing at the age of 17 right out of high school. I decided to attend a music engineering school where I received my certification and then I pursued music production. But my background is really in art. I'm a visual artist. I paint and I draw.

J: Oh wow, really?
D: Yeah. I went to Art and Design, the high school of Art and Design. A specialized art high school here in midtown. Music and art is relative.

J: I went to art school as well. I went to the Art school of Boston. I was originally going to be an Art teacher but clearly that didn't happen (laughter).
D: I was going to be a music teacher.

J: Look at that. (Laughter). Two teachers.

D: Actually my day job, I'm a technician. So I deal with software but aside from that, to get back on topic (Laughter), my background is in visual arts and it evolved into the sonic, musical style of art. So I have a passion and a background for that. This then evolved into an interest in DJ'ing. That's what I currently do professionally. I think it coincides because it helped sharpen my listening skills, my instincts in production, understanding what makes a person move, what makes them recite words, what inspires them to have a good time on the dance floor. In lieu of that, being the catalyst in providing that inspiration and that mood of making people feel a certain way and giving people an experience and a story in the nightlife. I have a very keen connection to how people feel and collectively it feels good to get the energy of the crowd and reciprocating that. The DJ'ing helps  in my production because it helps me understand what will make a person react. Getting a sense of what the trends are and getting beyond that trend.
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J: When it comes to your personal style, fashion and DJ'ing, how big of a role do you think your style plays in actual DJ'ing? You know how popstars are sort of forced to kind of marry the two. You have to be talented and be fashionable. Do you feel this same pressure?
D: I think with fashion, it says a lot about the individual and their preferences for sounds and genres of music. I think ones fashion and music exemplifies the persons individuality and creates an identity to which people can relate and connect with. A lot of times the look transcends the actual sounds. I think people's first perception is going to be the look, your appearance and then everything falls into place.

J: When it comes to your production and your singles you want to mix, how do you go about picking that? Is it based on your personal preference or what's hot at the time and turning into something even better?
D: I think it's a combination of both factors but it's essentially keeping your eyes and ears in tune to society. You know the demographic of listeners, the people you're going to perform for, you have to know that in advance. You have to know your crowd and I think that's very essential. Not being so selfish. As a music curator, a music selector, a music maker, you have to be keen to what people's expectations are. In a way you have to be unselfish and selfish if that makes any sense. It's like a double standard. Selfish in the sense that you're going to put your own style into the curation and music making/production and then you want to test it out to see how the people react. If it doesn't work out. You know you always want to give people what they want with the sense and taste of what you like. It has to be a collective matter.

J: When it comes to your shows, have you ever come to a point where it didn't go how you thought it was going to go?
D: Of course. I've had times where I misread the crowd and I've played music that emptied out a dance floor.

J: That would be my worst fear in DJ'ing. Playing a song and all the people walking away.

D: I think you're right. I was like that in the beginning stages of my career but then you learn that you play what you like but you also play according to the crowd. When you have that sense of what keeps people reeled in, then it's all about instincts and your music knowledge from there and giving them that journey, that musical experience to feel familiar, give them something fresh and keep them connected at all times of the night.

"When it comes to DJ mixes, it's all about the season. You know fall, spring, all these seasons demand a certain sound."


​J:
When it comes to your mixes, how long does it normally take? Or is it like a process every time? Different time frames?
D: When it comes to DJ mixes, it's all about the season. You know fall, spring, all these seasons demand a certain sound. I think it's all about the seasons, and it's about the mood I feel. So how I feel and the seasons coincide with the output and citation of my music. It's the year as well, like what's in trend, I also see music as colors that tie into the season as well.

J: Would you consider yourself a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to making mixes? If you were to make something that didn't turn out how you wanted it at first would you start from scratch and go back to the drawing board or would you take pieces that you like out of that?
D: I think there's a demand for that. When you want to evolve and be at your best, you have to ensure that you don't settle for less. I think a lot of that has to do with just building a threshold of excellence. It coincides with my profession. If I want to be respected, if I want to be consistent that involves being the best that you can be and if that involves perfection then nothing more and nothing less. I believe in doing the best to your ability. If my projects call for that then I'm going to do the best that I can to feel comfortable with the end result. If that end result is not satisfying then I go back to the drawing board and continue to push the threshold and be the best that I can be.

J: Going back to your personal style, do you think it's the same on and off the stage? When you're DJ'ing is it the same thing you would wear on the street?
D: I think that when you're DJ'ing, that job requires a few hours, it all depends on that job, but if you're going to be on your feet 2-3 or 5-6 hours, you want to be comfortable. You wanna look good and you want to be comfortable. I think the important part is being comfortable and then the second thing is being presentable, looking good and feeling right about your look so all that coincides but being comfortable is the first factor. That being said, I don't necessarily wear the attire I wear to DJ, on a regular basis (Laughter).

J: When it comes to DJ'ing is it mainly New York City or have you been all over?
D: I've traveled around the world when I DJ. Here in NYC, I've DJ'd in big clubs, lounges. It ranges from the Delancy to the Gansevoort. I was a resident DJ at the W in Times Square and at the Living Room. I've DJ'd in Sweden, Stockholm, Japan, LA, so I get to bounce around.

J: How would you go about judging the vibe of different crowds, cause I know in Japan, according to my good good girlfriend Beyonce (Laughter) they're very polite and they don't make a lot of noise.
D: Well in Japan they just passed a law where they can actually dance now.

J: So they couldn't dance before? You were playing to people standing there.
D: Before this law, the Japanese when they were clubbing, or out and about were not allowed to dance.

J: And all this time I wanted to go to Japan. (Laughter)
D: But now you can actually dance when you're in Japan (Laughter).

J: Good to know.
D: A New York City crowd, depending on the clientele and the venue, there's always an expectation and you have to play according to that expectation. That expectation usually meets the demands of the crowd. So if you're spinning at the Gansevoort, they expect something posh, trendy and catchy. As DJs we can do open format, where we can play all sorts of genres, ranging from classics like Michael Jackson to EDM to Future and Drake which I really like because Gansevoort is an example of a mixed crowd where as in the DL it's Latinos and African Americans and that venue demands HipHop, and more of an urban style of music. Let's say for example I fly out to LA and I'm doing a gig out there, LA people are really chill, so I can play some west coast urban music like DJ Mustard, Bay Area music to east coast music, trap, and they also like the classics so they appreciate a wide range. Sometimes they're a little posh/bougie about who they are and what they expect. I like LA vibes. Japan they're all about culture so you have to bring that NYC style.

J: What's next for you? What do you have coming up?
D: So I took a little hiatus and did a lot of ghost production in the music industry which led me to grow as a musician and helping me become a DJ and accept that role. Taking this hiatus has helped me develop my ear and my production ability to be a little more keen about that. I'm going back to my production and I'm working currently on an EP with a legendary DJ brand ambassador, his name is Peter Paul, he's NYC staple. Peter Paul is actually a partner of mine. I'm actually a part of his DJ collective, Super Journey DJs. We're working on this EP, which involves classic house/hip house, we're going back and bringing it back to NY and the globe. It's a forgotten genre and I'm focusing on that.
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So that wraps up our exclusive BTS #HYPE feature. I hope you all had as good a time reading as I did interviewing. 

- Later, Jomario

Danny Calderon / DJ, Producer
Label: Independent
New York, NY
Instagram: @mrcalderon 
Soundcloud: 
https://soundcloud.com/dannycalderon
6 Comments

#HYPE: ANTHONY FLAMMIA

10/24/2016

5 Comments

 
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​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. 

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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.
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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.
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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
5 Comments

#HYPE: MARCO FOSTER 

10/18/2016

7 Comments

 
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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.
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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."
​

J: "Definitely. I think it’s the best way for things to happen. Speaking of style, describe your personal style to me, the evolution of your style, from beginning to now."

M: "I mean the beginning, man, in high school I don't know what the hell I was wearing (Laughter) I was wearing khakis and Polos. When I came to New York, my style pretty much immediately shifted towards street influence. I was wearing a lot of Supreme, Stussy, and you know BBC, and that kind of thing. It was a lot of very primary color based, like really bright vibrant kind of things and I kind of liked that (Laughter). I still like that, but I think more recently my style has evolved into a more mature, refined, clean cut kind of look than it was before. I still love to wear something that’s simple with one piece that really stands out, whether it’s a crazy jacket or something that really just pops and brings the whole outfit together, like throwing a Dee & Ricky Lego heart on a nice jacket. It’s an accessory that accents and sort of ties everything together."
​J: "Being that you just transitioned from D.C. to New York and like all of us, NYC has drastically changed our style. What would you say is the worst thing that you’ve ever worn?"

M: "Not that it was bad, but the combination of wearing Yeezys with khaki pants and like concert t-shirts in high school was just like, not a good look but it was my look (Laughter)."

"For sure, never revisiting those days of my life (Laughter)"


J: "Everyone has those bad high school years (Laughter) we don't judge.
Now when it comes to your personal style and your career, how important do you think it plays a part in you being an artist?"


M: "I think it all ties together because the way that you see yourself, the images you put out of yourself, is a reflection of who you are and your music. It all goes hand in hand. I think that my music has a more mature edge to it and my style reflects that too.

J: "When it comes to street style, give me some differences between DC and NYC."

M: "DC has a lot of culture, we have the whole BOGO scene. Musically there’s a lot of character there. I also feel that DC is influenced a lot by that old soul kind of like that Chuck Brown, real music kind of thing. Stylistically, in terms of fashion, I don’t think that DC has a defined characteristic. There’s so many people in business and politics that it’s very much the suit/high class kind of look. You don't see many kids walking around trying to set trends like when you go to SOHO in NYC and see them wearing boxes on their heads (Laughter). Coming from DC I was like a blank canvas which allowed me to be able to pick what I was influenced by."
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Tina Ortiz: Make up artist BTS with Sherman|Preston
J: "When it comes to your personal style, would you say that it’s a mirror image of your stage persona or are you one person on stage and a different one off stage?"

M: "I think it’s constantly evolving. On stage stylistically, I’m more representative of who I am day to day. Day to day, I’m not like wearing random stuff that I just have, I try to step out looking my best. On stage it’s always an exaggerated version of yourself. I’ve done shows for 120,000 people and you have to be so extra because to them, you're just this little person there and if you’re just not moving, it doesn't look interesting (Laughter). It’s why people have so many dancers, theatrics and lights. You have to put on a show and it has to be over the top."

"when you write about your own personal experiences a lot of people go through similar things and can relate to those universal topics."

J: "When it comes to your music, walk us through your creative process. Do you write a lot of your own songs? Is it always from your personal life? Is it other people’s? Are you pulling from everywhere?" 

M: "You pull from a lot of experiences that you've been through personally, but at the same time I might see something or hear a story that inspires me. Also, when you write about your own personal experiences a lot of people go through similar things and can relate to those universal topics. I think it’s why a lot of artists end up writing a lot about love and relationships because its something that anyone can relate to. I’ve toured all over Europe and other places, it’s pretty interesting that we’d do shows in like Germany, I’d be singing my songs in English and they don’t even understand what I’m saying but because it has that universal theme about love and the feeling of it, people were singing along to it. Music is powerful thing."

J: "Would you call yourself a perfectionist? Do you feel that you can start writing something and if it doesn't exactly convey what you want do you start all over?"


M: "As a creative artist, I think everything you have, is always a work in progress. You're never satisfied with your songs, your music, or with your art. In songs too, especially in the music industry, beats change and production changes, but a great song will last forever, it’ll be timeless, you can always remix a certain song. It’s kind of just finding the right moment for the song and I have plenty of songs that were three songs which I mashed into one, with a chorus and a verse. It’s always an ongoing process. I’ve worked with a lot of people, writers, who will get on a mic and the song will be done in 15 minutes. They just freestyle a song, start to finish. That's not really my process but I’ve seen and worked with a lot of different people so I’ve taken bits and pieces from everybody. Sometimes it starts with the guitar part, sometimes it’s the melody,  sometimes it’s the concept, sometimes it’s the story, it’s a lot of different things that come together."
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J: "It definitely is. Speaking just on the music aspect of everything, who would you say are your biggest inspirations coming through your career and up until now?"

M: "My two that I always go to, are John Mayer and D’Angelo, who I'm actually seeing at the ROOTS picnic on October 1st at Bryant Park."

J: "We were actually just talking about the ROOTS picnic."

M: "Yea we’re going to be over there with Dee & Ricky, it should be fun. But yeah, John Mayer and D’Angelo are huge influences. I mean I think that my music is more in the mainstream and I have those influences rooted in my music.

I would compare myself, and
you know I honestly don't like to compare myself to anybody... because if you ask anyone, they wouldn’t compare themselves to anybody else either, but kind of like Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, Miguel,  Adam Levine, that more pop edge kind of thing."


J: "That's a great group to be in" (Laughter)

M: "But I listen to this band Haitus Kaiyote, they’re more like funk fusion, Neo soul type of stuff. Also Erykah Badu… Robert Glass… I love Neo soul. I love old seventies stuff like Donnie Hathaway and Stevie Wonder. That’s stuff that I’m really listening to. I have a lot of influences, like even coming from earlier when I was singing in the Opera when I was around 12 and then I went into more Broadway type stuff. Then I transitioned into this more John Mayer thing, but I used to listen to country and reggae… I listen to literally everything and I find artists within every genre that I relate to and like. I would definitely say that R&B and Neo soul is where I find most of my inspiration."

J: "While we're on the topic, is Broadway something that you would go back to?"

M: "It’s funny because I work with voice teachers and they're always like “you have to do Broadway because your voice is so dynamic and it would work for it” but at the same time… I mean… maybe, I don't rule anything out. I would act, or any opportunity that felt like a natural fit for me but right now I’m just so focused on my music career and my own stuff that I wouldn't do it but I never close a door on any opportunity."

J: "Exactly, maybe we’ll see you on Broadway soon."

M: "I can’t dance too well though so I don't know how that would pan out (Laughter) but I am quick learner."
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J: "Describe to us your first time on stage for a large crowd, what was that like?"

M: "Honestly, its funny because as I mentioned when I was 12 and I was in the opera, those were in front of big crowds of a couple thousand, like three thousand, and because I was so young and impressionable it took away my stage fright at an early age. I wasn’t really nervous, it's just this rush of adrenaline….it’s this feeling of  just… you can't really explain it or define it. It’s kind of an out of body experience, you're so in the moment that you're not even conscious of what's happening honestly. The more that you do it, the easier it becomes. I will say that the bigger shows are easier than the intimate shows because the intimate shows are so awkward, personal and quiet (Laughter). When it’s a big crowd, these people came to party. They’ve been partying since before you even got on stage so they know what time it is while with an intimate show, they’re more like what do you have to say and you have to set the whole energy in the room."

J: (Laughter) "That's very true. I would probably prefer a larger crowd to a smaller one as well.  If there were one person in the music industry that you could collaborate with, who would it be?"

M: "Pharrell. Mayer would be my dream to just like jam with because guitar wise, I learned everything from his music but Pharrell just has that R&B vibe that is so magnetic. I would love to just get in a room and vibe with him on a track. That would be incredible. There’s a lot of people on my list. Quest Love too. I  love people with musical backgrounds. Like I play guitar, piano, that’s like the root of my artistry and building from that organic kind of place. So I love guys like Pharrell, who have these musical backgrounds, play a lot of instruments, and draw from old soul stuff and putting them in a new way so that's definitely a major influence."

J: "I Had a great time interviewing you but our final question, what’s next for you? What can we expect coming in the future?"


M: "New music! That’s what you can expect (Laughter). I’ve been, for a while, working on my music and I think as an artist, you kind of sort of want to hold on to it and find the perfect opportunity for it. You want the perfect moment but sometimes you have to let it go and let it find its way in the world. I think that I’m ready to just…drop it all, I have so much music, like an album worth of music that I’m just going to be putting out the next few months.
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and there you have it. The man behind the music, Marco Foster. With an upbeat personality and sunny disposition - along with Talent with a capital T, there is no where for Marco to go but UP. Stay tuned next week as we bring you our next #HYPE feature.

Later, Jomario.

​Marco Foster / Singer, Songwriter
Label: IMG Strongarm
New York, NY
Instagram: @marco.foster
Twitter: @marcomusicworld
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/marcofoster
​
7 Comments

#HYPE

10/11/2016

8 Comments

 
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‘HYPE’ is a platform propelled by SHERMAИ|PRESTOИ, partnered with emerging artists in New York City. The platform bridges the synergy between fashion and music in a contemporary format. It’s campaign aligns with select artists to stage free-form expression; which is synonymous with the essence of the New York scene.

Anthony Flammia’s edgy serenity, Danny Calderon’s effortless cool and Marco Foster’s infectious charm combine to inspire the energy of “HYPE.” The trio emerged together for the ‘late nights in the city’ inspired campaign, which is accompanied with a capsule fall collection by SHERMAИ|PRESTOИ.
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GENT favorites SHERMAИ|PRESTOИ are back at it again with their new Autumn Winter 2016 collection and we're nothing less than #HYPE about it. Bridging the gap between music and fashion SHERMAИ|PRESTOИ partner with 3 of the hottest emerging NYC artists to bring their new campaign to life. 
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Danny Calderon, Photog: KeikiBikini
With the HYPE release just around the corner, SHERMAИ|PRESTOИ unveils the accompanying editorial to highlight key pieces from their latest collection. Photographed by KeikiBikini, best known here for her powerful and innovated menswear shoots, the B&W photo set feature recording artist Anthony Flammia, DJ Danny Calderon, and Flo Rida signee Marco Foster, dressed to the 9's in their latest capsule collection. 
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Marco Foster, Photog: KeikiBikini
'Late nights in the city'  Who hasn't dreamed of experiencing the famed New York City nightlife. You have your group of friends ready, your outfit is on point, and you've even managed to take care of some last minute work. Your day may not have been the best but the night is going to be the boost you needed - ENTER downtown. With its cool colors and minimalistic approach, this capsule collection is sure to be the highlight of your night. Personally blending into my already established aesthetic quite well. SHERMAИ|PRESTOИ has managed to once again 'get it right' seamlessly adding pieces that you NEED for your latest wardrobe revival. 
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Anthony Flammia, Photog: KeikiBikini
Check back next week as we dig a little deeper into the new campaign. Giving you all your behind the scenes needs with exclusive content including interviews with the artists and never before seen photos from the shoot. 
** The Fall 2016 campaign boasts a collection filled with classic polka dot print shirts, solid color angora wool biker jackets and minimalistic tones. The offering also introduces the limited edition 'HYPE' crewneck sweatshirt. **

The 'HYPE' classic crewneck sweatshirt drops on 10.25 but is available for preorder now, HERE. 
GET #HYPE
8 Comments

model: sergio acevedo

10/1/2016

6 Comments

 
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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.
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.

 "I would consider my style pretty versatile. It really just depends on what adventure I have planned for the day."

PicturePhotographer: 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).


​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).

"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. 
​
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.
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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.
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​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.

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. 
6 Comments
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