Jaymu: A Master of his Craft

“It pretty much started the day I was born,” says Jaymu.  This multi-talented artist prides himself in having two different sides to his artistic style.  Limits do not exist for Jaymu, he believes in doing whatever it takes to reach his goals and makes it a point to consistently be busy with his music.

At around the age of 12 or 13, Jaymu decided that he would make his dreams of singing into actual goals.  “I started singing and realized that’s what I wanted to do,” he explains.    Through acting and modeling classes, Jaymu was able to become more and more comfortable with himself as a performer. This boosted his confidence in being able to make his dreams a reality.  “I started getting real comfortable on stage.  Not just singing but performing in general and I felt like that is where I belonged.”

It is hard to imagine an artist with two completely different sides to them, especially when these two sides are so opposite from each other.  However, Jaymu is a master of this craft and says that he has never allowed himself to be limited to just one genre.  “One of [the facets to my career], is like an old school bolero style” he says, something he gets from his dad whom he still accompanies on trips where they sing in restaurants and do serenades.   “My other side is more modern—futuristic and has to do with mixing reggaeton with other genres.” 

While each aspect of his musical career is distinct, Jaymu admits that he cannot define one single facet of his career as his favorite.  “It really depends on my mood,” he explains, “Mostly my music is just tied up by romance because I do like romantic music.  So even when I do reggaeton, I mostly stick with romance.”  This dedication to romance in his music has given Jaymu is what drives his passion for music, and the love he has for performing.

The performance aspect of his career is what Jaymu enjoys most about music.  “The people’s reactions,” are what motivate him to keep going and remind that with perseverance he can succeed.  However, his most memorable performance was one he did this past August with reggaeton artist Jory Boy.  “Originally, I was only supposed to open for him but then the day before the actual event Jory Boy said that his chorus guy didn’t come—he didn’t make it, so since I knew most of his songs, I was his chorus guy I sang all of his songs with him the next day [at the show].”

It is moments like this that make the sacrifices worth it at the end of the day.  His motivations, while he says they come from all areas of his life, come mainly from his family—especially his mom.  “She is definitely my main source of motivation,” he says.  Jaymu’s message to the world is simple; he wants people to believe in the power they hold within themselves and to never limit themselves to simply what is in front of them.  “You can do whatever you want to—whatever you like, you can get into it.”

In this coming year, Jaymu plans to continue working hard and creating new music for the world to hear.  However, he admits that he may never be satisfied in his career saying, “I always like learning stuff and doing new things so I just go goal by goal. That is pretty much the point of life.  You don’t ever want to stop doing that.”

Connect with Jaymu:

Twitter: TheRealJaymu

Facebook: TheRealJaymu

Instagram: therealjaymu

YouTube: JaymuTheOfficial

Aaron Short: From England to the Big Apple

Experience is something that comes with time, and time is just what singer songwriter Aaron Short has had.  Growing up in England, Aaron was surrounded by a much different range of sounds than what we are used to here in the United States, this has allowed him to create his own unique style that you can hear in his work.

In his early years, a friend of his grandfather, taught Aaron to play the piano.  Later, in his early teens, Aaron decided that he would learn to play the guitar, “and ever since then I have been more focused on the guitar and singing.”  This combination of guitar playing and singing, along with his experience over time has honed his skills and allowed him to truly be able to define who he is as an artist.  

Aaron says his greatest musical influences came from the kind of music that he was surrounded by when he was growing up in England during the 90s.  It was his musical encounters with music by guitar bands such as the Beetles and others like them, which influenced Aaron’s love for the guitar the most.  “The Brit-pop movement—at that time you had a lot of guitar bands and that’s all I listened to, I listened to that kind of music.  I’m not sure that was very successful in America, I think America was more about Nirvana and grunge bands.”

Aaron goes on to say, that the influence of technology has changed the way people listen to music, and even goes on to point out that if the Internet were around as he were growing up, his musical influences might have been different because of the access to music from all around the world.  “Growing up I did not have access to American music so it did not influence me,” he explains. 

As time went on, Aaron had great success playing many shows in England and even being able to have his songs featured on TV.  However, being the determined, hard working person that he is, Aaron decided that he needed to do something to challenge himself more.  And so, he moved to New York—a city with bright lights, and dozens upon dozens of people trying to make their dreams come true. “England is a small place, with an amazing music scene, but then again it can be very small and when you come to America, and you have the opposite problem there are so many places you can go.”

His experience in New York has been quite successful and he says that he is happy with the decision he made to move and does not regret it in any way. He notes that his experience in England was one of the elements of his career that has allowed him to get shows, and also to have confidence as an artist.   [In New York,] I feel like people want to give you a chance, and they want to try things out and that’s a good thing for a performer.”  Being surrounded by the different people and cultures that are in New York has allowed Aaron to not only, expand his fan base but also, expand upon his musical talents and tap into interests that he may not have been exposed to had he stayed in his hometown. 

So, who is Aaron Short? His answer is simple, “I’m definitely a singer guitarist who does pop music—for sure.  But we grow with experiences and with the Internet and traveling you are exposed to different things.” 

Currently, Aaron’s single “Dignity”, which was produced by Rossen Nedelchev, is something that he has done as part of a larger project that is coming in the near future.  Aaron says that Rossen has been a pleasure to work with, “He pushed me to record this with him, and it’s been great for the band because I realize that I like how he produces.  I like how he works and what we have done.  I really like this new song and I like what we have done with it and I want to do more songs in that style.” 

The larger project for this single would be an album or an EP, which is currently in the works.  However Aaron has a vision in mind—rather than it just being him, he says he would love to work with a band that plays with him at functions.  Only time will tell if this dream ends up being a reality but for now, you can catch Aaron playing at different venues all over New York City. 

Connect with Aaron Short:

Official Website

Facebook: Aaron Short Music

YouTube: Aaron Short

Lynx: Music, Family, and Originality

Cumbia, ballads, bachata, and merengue were the mix of genres that surrounded the Ecuadorian/Dominican, (or as he calls it, “Ecuaminican”), bachatero Lynx.  In the past few months, the fearless singer/songwriter has been working hard to build his reputation as a bachata artist who is ready to step into the bachata scene with a fresh perspective.  Grounded by his humble nature and sometimes shy way of being, Lynx’s following is growing day by day and his focus remains concrete: music, family, and originality.

Lynx’s stage name comes from Greek mythology, which states that the animal, Lynx, (a wild cat), is mysterious and elusive in nature.  “A lot of people have told me that I am mysterious and that is one of the reasons that I was able to identify with this name.”  However, finding his name did not come with ease; he says it took months of brainstorming, and countless trial and error in order to find the perfect one, “I wanted to separate the artist from the person and name that animal inside of me” he says. 

Lynx’s music is his main priority and he has been inspired by the likes of Eminem (for his lyrical fearlessness), Romeo Santos (for his intricate compositions), and Mario Domm of Camila (for his artistic versatility).  Through admiring these artists, Lynx has been able to learn a lot and has acquired unique blend of talents which are his own.  His passion for writing and dedication to originality is admirable to say the least and although he admits that as a teen he was too shy to share his work, now he prides himself in being able to call a song his own. 

Lynx’s family is one of the driving forces in every move he makes.  He thanks his parents for doing everything in their power to keep he and his brothers off the streets and to be good men.  “They always raised me to have manners and be respectful,” he says.  

Lynx’s youngest brother, Leo, who is blind and autistic serves as his greatest inspiration, “He has taught me to never give up because he has never given up…he has a good heart and I think I have gotten that from him.”  Leo, who is now 18, is one of the first to hear some of Lynx's complete work and even chose the song Lynx recorded as his debut single out of the many that were already written.  

Lynx, debut single, “Máscara”, which you can download on iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play, has earned him features on sites like Corriente Latina, Latin-E, and NBC Latino, as well as his very first TV appearance on Telemundo’s morning show, ‘Acceso Total’.  The song, which includes Lenny Santos (of Aventura and now VENA) on guitar and is infused with operatic elements, denotes the story of a man who has fallen in love with the wrong woman.  The word 'máscara' represents the false love this man received, “in other words, she’s a different person behind the mask,” explains Lynx. 

Playing into Lynx's originality it is interesting to note that "Máscara's" merciless lyrics which accuse the woman of being selfish and phony were actually inspired by Eminem.  “I wanted to be in attack mode when I wrote the bridge of the song” says Lynx when asked how Eminem influenced him in  writing this song.  Between the opera elements, Lenny Santos’s impressive guitar skills, the penetrating lyrics, and Lynx’s smooth vocals, “Máscara” is a song that is easy to love, and after all…who hasn’t been faced with false love at least once in their lives?

In recent days, Lynx’s following has increased significantly and he is proud to know that his efforts have been paying off.  His message is to inspire through not only his music but through his personal story as well.  He encourages other artists to write their own compositions saying, “pick up a pen from time to time and have something to call your own…it may not be perfect at first but I can guarantee you if you try, you will get better.”  To the rest of the world, his message is simple: "...be appreciative of what you have, and never give up in what you believe in; don't sell yourself short."  

Lynx’s star power stems from his genuine passion, humility and fearlessness.  He has and will continue to "trust his crazy ideas" and use the fire that burns within him to win over the public’s respect and admiration.  Next year, Lynx plans on releasing his very first EP  and will continue to break barriers and give his fans good quality original music. 

Connect with Lynx:
Facebook:  Official_Lynx
Twitter: @OfficialLynx
Instagram:  @official_lynx
YouTube: LynxOfficialPage

DOWNLOAD “Máscara”:

Buy It Here/Cómpralo Aquí:
iTunes: http://smarturl.it/iTunesMascara
Google PlayStore: http://smarturl.it/PlayStoreMascara
Amazon: http://smarturl.it/MascaraAmazon

El Headliner: MTV Tres

Kewin Cosmos and Oniel Anubis need your help!

 


A few months back I introduced you all to the smooth Kewin Cosmos and the catchy high energy Oniel Anubis.  Now, they need help from their supporters!

They are both entered in MTV Tres's "El Headliner" competition but they need your votes to win!  

Listen to Kewin's music on http://kewincosmos.com/
and you can hear Oniel's music by visiting http://www.onielanubis.com/

The winner of this competition will get exclusive promo from MTV Tres!

Although only one of them can take the prize check them out and take a vote by clicking here:  http://www.tr3s.com/ourstage

Rochelle Diamante: Tackling the World One Note at a Time

At nineteen years old, there are not many people who are able to handle a schedule that is packed with practice, dance team, school, homework and a social life.  Add the pressure of having to maintain a YouTube channel and attend vocal lessons and you have none other than extremely hard-working, Rochelle Diamnte.

Having a busy schedule is not a problem though—Rochelle is always up for a challenge in fact, facing challenges was what got her into singing in the first place.  “One day we were in the car and Mariah Carey’s, ‘Emotions’ came on and my dad said, ‘this is one of the hardest songs to sing.’”  Hardest songs? That was all Rochelle needed to hear to decide that she was going to learn the song and sing it well.  After practicing to perfection, she showed her parents what she’d been doing and they loved it; that is when she decided that music would be her career, “it just felt right…singing just felt right,” she says. 

Rochelle has an impressively large following on her YouTube page she is constantly being bombarded with comments of inspiration and love from supporters everywhere.  “It’s pretty awesome that there is another way that I can share with just create a fan base for myself,” she says in reference to her YouTube success. 

Singing is not her only passion though, Rochelle’s vision has a purpose.  On her second YouTube channel: “Rochelle Do Tell”, she shares advice and inspiring messages in a kind of ‘talk therapy’ for those who need a little pick me up.  “There are a lot of problems in this world but I like to speak out about speak out about them.”

However, her true love is music and she goes on to say, “Music is so powerful that it can be that exit.”  In fact, Rochelle even wrote a song called “Hope” after the 2011 earthquake in Japan.  All proceeds went to the Red Cross to aid in relief efforts and she says that she still gets messages from supporters saying that the song gives them hope in their struggles.  This is what she lives for, the ability to impact people and touch them through her music, “When you are going through something turn to music or write about it because it is so powerful and so helpful.”

Rochelle’s following has expanded as time has passed and she has even been blessed with two very exciting experiences.  Her original composition, “Queen Bee” was featured on an anniversary episode of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars.  “I found out when it was going to be on through my supporters…I was crying and getting calls from my family and messages from my supporters it was amazing.  Rochelle was also featured as a celebrity judge on NBC’s singing show “The Winner Is…”.  Not only was she surprised that she was chosen but she points out, “Nick Lachey is super good looking in person (laughs) and it was nice to see other people who share my passion going up there and doing their thing on stage because I can relate.”

In the future there is SO much more we can expect to see from Rochelle.  Right now, she is in the process of raising money for her EP via indiegogo.com and plans on keeping up with her YouTube channels, continuing to interact with her fans.  She is extremely excited to get to work and she’s an inspiration to young people everywhere on how to take on the world and tackle your dreams.  Support Rochelle’s Indiegogo campaign by clicking here: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/rochelle-diamante-debut-e-p and have a listen to the song that was featured on Dancing with the Stars, “Queen Bee” whose video is below.

 

Connect with Rochelle:

Facebook:Rochelle Diamante

Twitter:@rochelleonline

YouTube:(Music) rochellediamante // (Advice) RochelleDoTell

Instagram: @rochellediamante

 

Royal Clutch: Humorous and Compelling

What started as just a good time turned into a full on job for Jase, Reese, and Kos D who are now the members of hip hop trio, Royal Clutch.  Fun, quirky and ready to have a good time, the three have spent the last five years experiencing a little bit of everything and just living their lives to the fullest. 

Jase and Reese, who are brothers, went to high school with Kos D which is how it all began.  Once day, while hanging out they and some of their other friends began to freestyle, little did they know that the three would grow to love it.  They began to get more serious about their music and before they knew it a group was formed.  While the original group had more than three members, the trio says that they are still good friends with the other members who decided to do other things. 

The concept behind the group’s name is simple but clever, “Royal because we are from Brooklyn, so, Kings County; and Clutch like… clutch?” laughs Jase.  The name was catchy and original so they went with it and made it their own.  However, hip-hop is not always an easy genre to break into.  With so many different artists trying to make it big in this genre they could have decided to go another route but they stuck to what they loved.  Kos D explained it simply, “We grew up in the late 90s and early 2000s.  We saw a lot; Jay Z, the end of Biggie, and then other stuff like D4L.” Reese says, “We decided we can still do hip hop because we are original and we are not afraid to be ourselves.”

Being themselves is what makes Royal Clutch so much fun to be around! In their music video, “Fresh Faces,” you see the fun-loving and absolutely hilarious nature of the three in a house party scene.  “That is all real,” they say referring to all of the commotion in the video; they actually filmed it during a real house party!  They call it the ultimate pregame song and Reese even points out that yes they had fun, “but that is the whole point of it, you are supposed to enjoy every bit of the ride.”  And enjoying the ride is exactly what they are doing.

Currently, Royal Clutch is working on their upcoming project, which they were very tight lipped about.  They did admit, however, that this project was very personal to them and the public will see a side of them that not everyone gets to see.  The project will be titled “The 21 and Up Club” where the trio approaches it from a very interesting way.  The idea behind the album is that it all takes place in one night, and each track is a different part of that same night.  “It’s chronological,” they say. 

Already having seen and listened to “Fresh Faces” off of their previous project, I can say that it’s pretty exciting to have such an originally inspired concept on its way. These guys are fun and original to say the least and I’m sure “The 21 and Up Club” will not disappoint!

Connect with Royal Clutch:

Facebook:RoyalClutchBK

Twitter: @royalclutchbk

YouTube:RoyalClutchShit

Soundcloud: Royal-Clutch