MAR 2022 // No. 1
LOUD & CLEAR
Josh Lee MUSIC MATTERS PHOTO BY @GREEBLEHAUS
DMe Talent Agency
@miguel.avina.music
PHOTO BY TINO DUVICK // @broken_chain_portraits
LOUD & CLEAR LOUD & CLEAR MAGAZINE IS RELEASED ONCE A MONTH. IT IS A DIGITAL MAGAZINE. PRINT COPIES ARE PRINTED ON DEMAND AND CAN BE ORDERED AT REQUEST. DIGITAL LINKS WILL BE PROVIDED TO ALL CONTRIBUTORS. WE DO NOT PROVIDE FREE PRINT COPIES OF THE ISSUE. FOUNDER & PUBLISHER DAVE NAVARRO // @_designprint @loudandclearmagazine CREATIVE design&print CONTRIBUTING WRITERS AUTHOR RUSS RAY // @eat.travel.type.colorado CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS TAYLOR GREY // @ellegrey RICKY ZASTROW // @coloradophotoworks CATHERINE SAULNIER // @chroma.sparks.portraits DONTE TOUSSAINT // @dtouphotography ADVERTISING & PROMOTION dave.designprint@gmail.com SUBMISSIONS dave.designprint@gmail.com COPYRIGHTS LOUD & CLEAR ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE is owned by DAVE NAVARRO. The magazine, its staff and writers, has made sure that content is accurate on the date of publication. The views expressed in the articles reflect the author(s)’ opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or editor. The published material, adverts, editorials and all other content is published in good faith. All rights reserved. Nothing can be partially or in whole be reprinted or reproduced without express written permission.
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SILVIA TAZIRI @__silviataziriofficial__ // RICKY ZASTROW @COLORADOPHOTOWORKS
CONTENTS
5 FACTS 7 9 11 13 15
DJ D-JOHNSON KRISTY GRONSETH RICKY BORBA MR. TYESKIE DE’ANGELO BETHEA
10 SONGS YOU SHOULD KNOW 17
MOTOR WADE // Strangers Who Knew INHALER // Cheer Up Baby BAILEY ELORA ft. BROTH3R // DRUNK RN JON RUBIO ft. ELI MONTOYA // El Camino VUNDABAR // Alien Blues IZCALLI // Como el Mar THIS BROKEN BEAT // Far From Home SUITABLE MISS // Sunshine KID ASTRONAUT // Forget Me Not EDWINA MABEN // Go Tell Yesterday
COVER FEATURE 21
JOSH LEE - Music Matters
MODELS TURNING HEADS 27 29 31 33 35
JOSEE RICHARD - Canada ALONDRA VILLA - Florida TANYA ELYSE - New Mexico JULI GARRI - Texas BRI MONTOYA - New Mexico
SPOTLIGHT INDIE ARTIST 37
BAILEY ELORA
@EAT.TRAVEL.TYPE.COLORADO 39
Purple Tears by AUTHOR RUSS RAY
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@givmann KINGSAM OGAH
5 FACTS KRISTY GRONSETH @kristysilver70 // PAT BARRET
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DJ D-JOHNSON dj // entrEprenuer
1. At 13, I was a world published poet in, “The Writers Guild,” and was the youngest person ever, to be accepted into “The Colorado Institute of Art.” 2. At 14, I signed my first record deal, but the project was put on the shelf due to budgeting. 3. At 18, I published my first single on Jam-x Violator “Phattest Tapes in the State,” followed by his second release on, inners 303 “Blow up the Spot.” 4. Between 1996-1998, I was the first person to commission Dj Clue & Dancehall
Mixtapes, in record stores throughout the state. 5. Ran a successful show called “The CEO”. That was originally around 2009-2010, I started with Livewire Radio. At the time, it was the underdog show because I hadn’t really done anything in the industry in over 10 yrs.
Wheeler, we took residence at the original Gypsy House Cafe and gradually became one of the most recognized internet shows in the city. Follow Dj D-Johnson at: Facebook: @IAMdjohnsonCEO MixCloud: @dj-djohnson-theceo
Plus, I wasn’t known anything in the industry
in over 10 yrs. Plus, I wasn’t known for dj-ing more than street team promoting. After about two years of getting overlooked & not paid at all, I decided to go independent with it. So, with the help of Euda Green, Dj Kimani and Yurika
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KRISTY GRONSETH @kristysilver70 // PAT BARRET
KRISTY GRONSETH @kristysilver70 // PAT BARRET
KRISTY GRONSETH model
1. My Christian faith is my strength. I found my faith when I was 14 years old and am so thankful for the strength it has given me in the very difficult times of life, such as my abusive first marriage, when my young child went through heart surgery, etc. It has also taught me to be loving and kind to others, which I feel the world needs more of. 2. My family is my heart. I have been married to the love of my life for 10 years and I have 4 boys and a girl. These children have enriched my life and taught me patience, resilience, how to laugh at myself and to find joy in pouring into others. 3. I love gardening, mainly flower gardening, but have recently gotten into raised bed gardens. I love the splendor of all the colors that bloom, arranging the flowers
and herbs together, making homemade spaghetti sauce, etc. It is so rewarding and I feel at such peace in the garden. 4. I have 3 rescue dogs and one pure bred Shitzhu. My dogs teach me about unconditional love. They greet me every day like I am the most important person in the world and they console me on my hard days. They light up my days. 5. Flowers are my second most favorite thing next to people. Flowers bring color and beauty to the world. People do too. I serve people every day in my work as an Occupational Therapist treating neurological conditions primarily. I love intensely and hugs are my love language. I often merge my flowers and people as I love to give out hand cut arrangements from my garden to lift people’s spirits. Instagram: @kristysilver70 Agent: @dmetalentagency11
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ricky borba filmmaker
1. When I was 13 I lived three doors down from MC Hammer during the prime of his career. Those were fun times. 2. I used to be able to play the trumpet really well. But now, it’s been so long I’m afraid to pick it up again in fear I might suck. :) 3. The first film I ever directed won best picture at the Red Letter Awards and now it’s nominated for best picture at ICVM. 4. I am literally the worlds pickiest eater.
More Facts.... My Brothers’ Crossing is nominated for Best Picture, Best Compassion Film, Best Christian - Freedom from Bondage/Forgiveness Film, Best True Story of Forgiveness Film as well as acting nominations for James Black, Beth Payne and Daniel Roebuck. Hope for the Holidays is nominated for Best Picture at the ICVM Crown awards. Follow Ricky Borba’s incredible career at: @borbafett
5. I have five kids and if you rearrange the first letter of their names, you get BRECK.
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mr. tyeskie R&B singer
1. I was born and raised in Dallas Texas. I have always loved music, but I never knew I could sing until I participated in a school talent show my sixth grade year. I performed “Jealous Girl” and the girls went crazy as soon as I started singing. I have always loved music, although I did not start doing it professionally until I was 15. 2. I’m very shy by nature, but when it’s time to perform my alter ego takes over! Singing is not my only love, but is who I am. I write my own music, and I have surpassed my own expectations by reaching over 2 million streams on Spotify. 3. Just recently I went number one in South Africa as well as the United Kingdom. My
fans are my motivation, and I try to make music that everyone can relate to. I consider myself a R&B soul singer. My music has a 90’s feel to it, but also a new school vibe as well. I sing from the soul. Some of the artist that inspired me are Brian McKnight, Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, Freddie Jackson, Bobby Brown, and Johnny Gill. I still listen to these artist today, and sometimes open with their music at my shows. 4. Receiving a plaque from Spotify for reaching over 1 million streams as an independent artist. I signed a single distribution deal with Sony The Orchard, and I was considered for a Grammy nomination for my song titled “Hooked on you Remix”.
My musical journey has been nothing short of Amazing. I am still learning things along the way to help me better my career. I have no complaints when it comes to music. I give it my all, and focus on making music that will still be playing years to come. 5. So far in 2022, I received a plaque from iTunes for reaching number 53 on the top 100 charts in South Africa for my song “I’m Sorry”. I also have another song titled “Marry Me” that went #1 on the iTunes Charts in South Africa as well. I have seen fans from around the world getting married to my song, and that alone is enough to make me continue doing what I love. https://www.facebook.com/MrTyeskie/ https://instagram.com/official_mrtyeskie Email: mr.tyeskie@gmail.com
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DE’ANGELO BETHEA @IAMDEANGELOLAMAR // JOHN CAMPI @JOHNCAMPIPHOTOGRAPHY
DE’ANGELO BETHEA actor // filmmaker // model 1. I am allergic to spicy food. Yes, that includes green and red Chile lol.
4. Before the pandemic, i surfed 7 international beaches in 7 months.
2. I am a Die-Hard Detroit Lions Football Fan.
5. Growing up my Mom would punish my brothers and I by making us sit on the couch and hold hands. We would squeeze eachothers hand as hard as we could when my mom wasn’t looking.
3. My most embarrassing moment was when I volunteered at a homeless shelter. I donated shoes for men, women and kids. I put each pair inside of a sub sandwich box thinking it would be a nice surprise when they opened the box. Needless to say, they were pissed off once they noticed there wasn’t food inside. They tossed the boxes at me and left.
www.deangelobethea.com
DE’ANGELO BETHEA @IAMDEANGELOLAMAR // JOHN CAMPI @JOHNCAMPIPHOTOGRAPHY
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10 SONGS YOU SHOULD KNOW 17
MOTOR WADE // Strangers Who Knew INHALER // Cheer Up Baby BAILEY ELORA ft. BROTH3R // DRUNK RN JON RUBIO ft. ELI MONTOYA // El Camino VUNDABAR // Alien Blues IZCALLI // Como el Mar THIS BROKEN BEAT // Far From Home SUITABLE MISS // Sunshine // RELEASE DATE: 3/18 KID ASTRONAUT // Forget Me Not // RELEASE DATE: 3/18 EDWINA MABEN // Go Tell Yesterday // RELEASE DATE: 3/25
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PHOTO BY @DREWCARLSONPHOTOGRAPHY
Josh Lee MUSIC MATTERS
Loud&Clear caught up with Denver musician, Josh Lee. An extraordinary Violinist, Pianist, Guitarist, Singer-Songwriter, and all-around great guy.
PHOTO BY @DREWCARLSONPHOTOGRAPHY
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Success in this industry comes in all shapes and forms. To criticize certain people’s success and celebrate others is not only ironic to me, but it also screams jealousy. Loud&Clear: Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas? Josh Lee: Sugar, Spice and everything nice!!
PHOTO BY @GREEBLEHAUS Loud&Clear: When did you first get into music? Josh Lee: I took my first piano lesson when I was 5... I think. Then, I took my first violin lesson at the age of 7. Loud&Clear: Who or What inspired you to pursue a career in music? Josh Lee: Elliott Smith. After the first time I heard his song, I could not figure out why or what it was that I loved about his music. So, I spent a lot of time learning it, and yet I still couldn’t figure out why his music made me feel the way it did, and thus became my artistic obsession to be able to express the way he did, even for a moment. And more importantly, to be able to provide someone else -- an audience, with the unforgettable moment that I had. Loud&Clear: How has your music evolved since you first got started? Josh Lee: So, in my early years, I literally tried to do everything: Record with anyone I can, and perform with anyone I can. I wanted to be able to perform with anyone, anywhere in any given circumstance... and I’m not going to lie, I still can’t listen to most of the recordings I’ve done in the first 5 years of being a recording artist without going into a mild bout of depression. But in all seriousness, that’s how I think my music has evolved over the years and that’s the philosophy I still keep to this day. While I may not enjoy the result of everything I do, everything I’ve learned as an artist over the years is the fruit of my reckless attempts. And while I may not enjoy them due to my own insecurities, I regret none of it. Loud&Clear: Do you write with other artists? Josh Lee: Yes! I mainly write instrumental parts and arrangements with the projects I’m already in. But I’ve been wanting to go back to my songwriting roots and write something for myself. And I always welcome any artists to sit down and share ideas with me!
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Loud&Clear: If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other, drives you to stay in this tough industry? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why? Josh Lee: All of them. I have an innate need to express all of those emotions through music and I want to be super good at it. No, no and no. Some people get lucky. Some people are incredibly talented. Some people work for years and some people are famous and are still working hard. And most of us are somewhere in between.
Loud&Clear: What has been your biggest challenge as a performing artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how? Josh Lee: At first it was self-doubt, as I’m sure it was for a lot of people. But that goes away once you’ve thrown yourself into the industry for a while. My current challenge is how I’m going to create a self-sustaining business for myself with music. It used to be pretty simple; gig a lot, get exposure, then sign a deal with a company that believes in your product. And for a lot of people, this is still the process. But now with the day and age of DIY, you have to be a little more creative, which is a challenge I welcome. Loud&Clear: A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art.” Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art? Josh Lee: I have. Tremendously. And while I do agree with part of that sentiment, I don’t believe in it. Do you need to personally experience suffering and pain in order to be able to correctly express those emotions in your music? Yes, I think so. Do you need this “suffering” in your career in music as some sort of “medal of honor” or just to say that “you’ve put in your time”? I think in general, this industry would do a lot better celebrating success than criticizing. But don’t get me wrong, a criticism is always due when it’s necessary.
“How many John Lennon’s, Bethoven’s and Mozart’s have been lost to the history because the society told them that “music is not a viable way to make a living?” –Josh Lee Loud&Clear: How do you feel the internet has impacted the music business? Josh Lee: In every way possible. To put into Layman’s terms, it was like our entire currency changed overnight. And most of us lost a lot of money while the chosen few made exponentially more. But we, as artists are flexible. And we survive. So, I have every faith in the musicians of our era to be able to navigate through this huge change in our infrastructure. I certainly am trying my best. Loud&Clear: If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be? Josh Lee: I would definitely change this social norm against making music your career. You can definitely make a career out of it if you put in the work and you’re talented, just like any other careers. So,
many children are discouraged from pursuing this career by their parents… instead, why not encourage them to pursue what they love and to be creative about how they can achieve their aspirations? How many John Lennon’s, Bethoven’s and Mozart’s have been lost to the history because the society told them that “music is not a viable way to make a living”? Loud&Clear: I’m sure you have shared the stage with many talented artists, maybe even celebrities. Please share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us. Josh Lee: I’m a huge hip hop fan. And when I got the opportunity to open for Talib Kweli, I was naturally more than excited. So when I tried to sneak into his greenroom to say hi, imagine my surprise to meet his very well armed security personnel. I stammered something about looking for the bathroom and got out of there as fast as I could Loud&Clear: What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today? And why? Josh Lee: 1. Elliott smith - Figure 8 2. Pink floyd - Dark Side of the Moon 3. Epik High - Shoebox 4. Kendrick Lamar - To pimp a butterfly 5. Beatles - Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club
PHOTO BY @SOSA_PHOTO.INC
-- Three of them are obvious selections... I would implore you to search the two other “non-obvious” answers for your discovery. Loud&Clear: What is the best advice you have received? Josh Lee: To never take any advice too seriously or to take them too lightly.
Loud&Clear: What’s next for you? Josh Lee: I honestly don’t know. But for the first time in my life, I feel like I’m not obligated to answer that question. And I think I like it!
PHOTO BY @GREEBLEHAUS
Loud&Clear: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music and follow your career? Josh Lee: I’ve done tons of stuff that you can check out online!!! Please check out Eldren and Izcalli on any of your preferred media platforms. You can also just google “Josh Lee” + “Violin”. As far as my future projects go... don’t worry. I’ll make a splash that you can’t ignore when time comes :) Loud&Clear: Tell us something about you that no one knows. Josh Lee: I’m actually a communist spy from North Korea. JK. I cry when I watch videos of animals.
PHOTO BY @SOSA_PHOTO.INC
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Live Interviews, Regular Programming, and MORE! Amplified Exposure LIVE is a new innovative and entertaining talk show about legends. The guests vary from New York Times best-selling authors and Grammy Award-winning artists to CEOs and VIPs of major production companies. Industry notables such as The Jackson’s, Luenell, Mathew Knowles, Tony Terry, Kimberla Lawson Roby, and Judge Joe Brown to name a few have made appearances. Watch on YouTube, Vimeo, and Roku. Take a look at all our services at: www.tbproductions.org
Models
Int ’l
ALONDRA VILLA @alondraaavilla // DONTE TOUSSAINT @dtouphotography
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Canada JOSEE RICHARD @JOSIE_MODELS // CATHERINE SAULNIER @chroma.sparks.portraits
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South Florida ALONDRA VILLA @alondraaavilla // DONTE TOUSSAINT @dtouphotography
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New Mexico TANYA ELYSE @elyse_inwonderland // TAYLOR GREY @ellegrey
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Texas JULI GARRI @julig2thefullest
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New Mexico BRI MONTOYA @_omgitsbriii // DONTE TOUSSAINT @dtouphotography
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Bailey Elora SPOTLIGHT INDIE ARTIST
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@BAILEYELORAMUSIC // PHOTO BY RICKY ZASTROW @COLORADOPHOTOWORKS
NEWEST RELEASE
“DRUNK RN” is a lyrical representation of what it feels like to just want to let go, but knowing you can’t. Created in the aftermath of the 2020 quarantine, the song is an upbeat party song that tells a more melancholy story of wishing you could ignore life and leave yourself in the hands of a popular vice. Written by Bailey Elora, Freddy Zamora, Isaac Zamora, and featuring hip hop artist, BROTH3R, it is sure to invoke heavy feelings and the unstoppable urge to jump and shout. Bailey Elora’s single, DRUNK RN is out now! Listen to it, Love it, and Download it! Available everywhere music is heard! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/7sOgcVzzLxwB2oCcLdrO1k?si=71a69dd0274f4fce Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/drunk-rn-feat-broth3r-single/1582458701
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Purple Tears by Author Russ Ray
It has taken a while to get my feet underneath me to write something about the news of the death of Prince. I was certain it wasn’t true. Then all the big news outlets picked up the story. There was no running away from it. I grew up in an era when rock ‘n roll ruled the radio. I wasn’t particularly taken by it. I left Colorado, and the United States, at 18. When I returned at 21, I had in mind what I wanted to listen to, and it wasn’t REO Speedwagon or Foghat. Somehow, I got my head filled with sounds of Bootsy’s Rubber Band, Parliament, Al Green (the Reverend), Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes (particularly, Teddy Pendergrass), the Isley Brothers, and Marvin. Somewhere along the line, Prince stepped in. The first time I heard his music, I understood it. Now that he is gone, there are plenty of tributes on TV, the internet and the radio. Sunday nights have always been the best for listening to FM radio. When outlaw radio, or Mexican radio, ran rampant in the late ‘50s and 60’s music was at its best. Or when college radio stations in the ‘70s and ‘80s that spun records by Root Boy Slim and the Sex Change Artists - and didn’t give a damn who did or didn’t like it. Strange hosts like Dr. Demento did as they pleased. Stations were free from corporate bureaucracy and corporate playlists.
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It’s on a Sunday night that you can find a station spinning hard core Prince tunes. Songs you don’t hear anymore, anywhere. Songs that played in the background in 1980’s house parties. Yeah, I suppose Little Red Corvette, 1999, I Want to be Your Lover, and Purple Rain are alright. But only just alright. Last night, fearless DJs like Alf Kremer played Pink Cashmere, Somebody’s Somebody, and Thieves in the Temple. I heard Cinnamon Girl for the first time in a long time. Prince’s cover of Tommy James and the Shondell’s Crimson and Clover got dusted off and spun in the first time in ages. It is more than a cover. I’m sure when Tommy James heard it, he smiled and grooved along like he was hearing it for the first time. Last night, I drove home with Diego sitting next to me. He is only 16. KTCL was in the middle of a four-hour Prince block. It’s a station that dives deep on Sunday nights. One of Prince’s best funk jams, Somebody’s Somebody, was making the windows in the car vibrate. Diego probably painfully looked out of the corner of his eyes at his dad’s head bobbing to the beat. I hope in Diego’s lifetime, he finds the artist that strikes the perfect cord. FOLLOW AUTHOR RUSS RAY @eat.travel.type.colorado
Bailey Elora https://linktr.ee/baileyelora Photo by Ricky Zastrow @coloradophotoworks