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ALDRIAN ALFONSO // @ar1photography
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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.
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INDULGE SPOTLIGHT
1-2 MODEL: VANESSA ABQ // @abq_vanessa
PHOTO: JUSTIN JACKRABBIT // @blackjackrabbit_studio.llc
DISTINGUISHED ARTIST
8 PROFESSIONAL PIANIST
TENIA RENEE NELSON @tenianelsonmusic // Photo by Tim Nelson
5 FACTS
11-12
MARANDA HARRIS // Talent Manager + Podcast Host + Journalist
13-14 JIM STOUT // Multi-Talented Artist + Builder + Fabricator
15-16 ADRIAN DION QUARLES // Actor + Playwright + Podcast Host + Poet
17-18 JAY MADHATTER // Rapper + Music Producer + Writer
LOUD&CLEAR SPOTLIGHT
19-22 MARY JANE // @mj_maryjanecreates
1968 AMC AMX // Owned by Jim Stout
Photography by Andrew Ortega @aperture.ortega
10 SONGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Oh, The Places You’ll Go! by Bailey Elora
23-24 BROOKLYN IN THE SUMMER // Aloe Black @aloeblack
BELLS IN SANTA FE // Halsey @halsey
BUDAPEST // George Ezra @georgeezra
BRAZIL // Declan McKenna @declanmckenna
GEORGIA ON MY MIND // Ray Charles @raycharles
POMPEII // Bastille @bastille
48 HOURS IN PARIS // Spencer Barnett @spencerbarnett
MACHU PICCHU // The Strokes @thestrokes
HONG KONG // Gorillaz @gorillaz
VIENNA // Billy Joel @billyjoel
COVER FEATURE: CHOICE SKINNER
27-32 Award Winning Actor, Director, Writer & Producer
Cover Photo by James M. Black
INDIE SPOTLIGHT
33-34 SF1 @sf1music
tenia renee nelson
Booking
@tenianelsonmusic
Professional Pianist, Tenia Renee Nelson honored with the 2023 Jazz Journalist Association Hero Award. She was nominated by David Froman.
About Tenia Renee Nelson
Over 20 years experience in Music Education and has been playing piano professionally in Colorado for 24 years. Tenia is a true believer in advocating for Music Education, creative rights, helping music people in need and promoting diversity and inclusion. Newly elected Chapter Governor in the 2023 Recording Academy / GRAMMYs San Francisco Chapter Board Elections. urrently a Recording Academy / GRAMMYs Mentor.
1. I am a high heel fanatic, I have racks and racks of shoes. I’m talkin heels in every color and style
2. I never learned how to whistle, still can’t figure it out. It doesn’t matter how much I try , I just can’t do it. So, I keep a lifeguard whistle on my keys just in case.
3. I gave Redman his first dabb, “Welcome to the Mile High”. I am also an undefeated blindfolded blunt rolling champ…
4. I’m a pintrest addicted. I use it for almost everything, outfit ideas, home DIY projects, even life hacks!
5. I have 11 tattoos! And, plan on getting many more. I find that ink therapy is very effective, the louder the tattoo gun the better, helps to zone out and release.
Connect & Follow Maranda at: FB: @ms.marandarights IG: @thats_ms_rights_bish
1. I strive for perfection in all that I do, going clear back to my school days. I was on the national honor society for much of my school years and I maintained that goal in everything I do still today.
2. I enjoy sports, such as wrestling and softball. I was the state wrestling champion during my school days and I played on several championship winning softball teams as an adult.
3. I thoroughly enjoy music – like rock and roll, jazz, quartets, instrumentals, etc. I play viola & violin, and made the KS state
symphony & 1st chair in the high school symphony orchestra during my school years. Earlier in my adult years, I sang in a men’s quartet and we made a few records and cd’s.
4. I am a thinker & a builder. I enjoy woodworking, metal fabrication, welding, and love the challenge of creating “something out of nothing”.
5. I have built many types of cars & vehicles over the years, and have won over twenty 1st Place trophies from 1989 to present in shows such as GOODGUYS, WORLD OF WHEELS, GREY BEARD, ISOA, TRI-STATE, AMC INTERNATIONAL, & the SUNFLOWER NATIONALS.
1. I was raised in Shelby, NC. Same place as Basketball legends David Thompson, Charlotte Smith and NBA coach Alvin Gentry.
2. I fell in love with theatre at the age of 8. However, it was a conversation with legendary actor Bill Cobbs and watching Rent & Dream girls that led me to pursuing theatre.
3. My poetry and playwrighting path all started when I was fourteen writing raps to be popular. My writing style is now influenced by August Wilson and Common’s song “The Corner”.
4. I am Pan African. Which is defined as a worldwide movement that aims to encourage and strengthen bonds of solidarity between all Indigenous and diaspora peoples of African ancestry.
5. I have portrayed Rev. Sykes in To Kill
A Mockingbird, Joseph Asagai in A Raisin in the Sun, Gabe Maxson in Fences, Sam Byck in Assassin’s on stage. A few of my proudest performances.
Connect & Follow ADQ at: @dionchocolategod85 ADQ’S Renaissanse Podcast
1. I was born and raised in San Francisco, California. I grew up in the ghetto. The very rough but culturally beautiful predominately Hispanic Mission District!! I went to Mission High School, same high school that Santana went. Santana also lived in the Mission.
2. I started Rapping when I was 13 years old and am still releasing music today!!
3. I love Indian Food. As I ventured out of my pizza and McDonald’s immaturity and started to try new ethnic foods... an old friend of mine took me kicking and screaming to an Indian Restaurant. I loved every single thing I tried, and I tried everything!
4. I have a CDL, work for a food bank and drive a big rig delivering food to the hungry all across New Mexico.
5. I love basketball and I am Die Hard Golden State Warriors fan since i was little. Stephen Curry is my favorite all time player!! Let’s Go, Dubs!!!
Another Fun Fact... Other notible “Dub” fans are G-Eazy, MC Hammer, Woody Harrelson, Swae Lee, Guy Fieri, E-40, Dave Chappelle, Zendaya, James Franco, Bad Bunny, George Lucas, Dave Franco, and the compadre of them all... Carlos Santana! Connect & Follow Jason Cadena aka “Jay Madhatter” at:
@madhatter_mment
BROOKLYN IN THE SUMMER // Aloe Black @aloeblack
BELLS IN SANTA FE // Halsey @halsey
BUDAPEST // George Ezra @georgeezra
BRAZIL // Declan McKenna @declanmckenna
GEORGIA ON MY MIND // Ray Charles @raycharles
POMPEII // Bastille @bastille
48 HOURS IN PARIS // Spencer Barnett @spencerbarnett
MACHU PICCHU // The Strokes @thestrokes
HONG KONG // Gorillas @gorillas
VIENNA // Billy Joel @billyjoel
Hailing from Brooklyn New York Choice Skinner’s influence as an award winning, actor, director, writer and producer can be seen in such projects as the multiaward winning dramatic short films “Brotherly Love”, and “Black Lightning - Tobias’s Revenge”. In the past he has participated in and won Oscar winning actress Octavia Spencer’s Facebook Short Film Competition with the short “A Second Thought”. Choice has helped many actors to success as a 12 year devoted acting coach through his acting studio (BTAW), the “Breakin Through Acting Workshop”. In 2014 a production partnership with Vincenzo Productions owned and operated by writer producer Tony Germinario birthed the opportunity for him to direct his first full length feature film “Wingman, Inc.” released by Lionsgate. Recently, Choice starred in an episode of the CW’s television show “All American” and is in post-production putting the final touches on his second feature film, a Christian drama entitled “Keep The Faith” and has completed his third feature film, a romantic dramedy entitled “A New Life”. - IMDb Mini
Choice, how are you? Thank you so much for taking time out of your day. Tell us how you got started in the film industry?
Absolutely. Thank you for the opportunity to be interviewed. I originally moved to Los Angeles from Georgia to pursue a music career during the 90’s. I witnessed the fall of R&B during that era and eventually migrated over to stunts because of my martial arts background. My stunt instructor Art Camacho told me to “learn acting” as that would open the possibility of more stunt work. Instead, I eased out of stunts and got addicted to acting which opened up more work for me in film and television. From there I just moved into all the different aspects of filmmaking that was available like writing, producing and directing.
Who or What inspired you to pursue such a competitive career? Great question!
I come from a family that was influenced heavily by music and film. I give a lot of credit to my mother Beverly Skinner as she
“Everything I do in my work comes from a place of wanting to affect and elevate people. True passion.”
–Choice SkinnerPhoto Courtesy of Dimitry Loiseau.
educated me on all that she loved and knew about entertainment, which was A LOT! She was big on knowing names of film actors and films from all eras. Throughout my career, I looked up to Prince the artist as I always respected his work ethic and his drive of raising the bar and his strive for perfection. Bruce Lee was another person whose tenacity and passion inspired me as well. That man broke barriers.
Our lives revolve so much around emotion, whether it’s in work or family life. If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other, drives you to stay involved in such a competitive industries? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?
If I were forced to choose only one emotion that would keep me involved in this competitive industry, it would most definitely be “Passion”. Everything I do in my work comes from a place of wanting to affect and elevate people. True passion. Any story that I’ve created has a redemptive theme. I’ve learn that passion is an infectious emotion. People are more willing to become involved, elevate, and rise to greatness just by sensing your committed level of passion.
I’m sure you have met a lot of celebrities/fellow actors along the way. Would you share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us?
When I began my migration out of music into film, I met the actor Eric Roberts at LA Fitness. He became one of my first mentors in LA. We would go horseback riding and he shared with me things and persons to be wary of as I pursued my film career. Many of the things he thought me still linger in my mind to this day. Meeting Denzel Washington was another great gem. I met him many years ago at Debbie Allen’s dance studio. His daughter was part of a recital that he was attending. Once it was over, we left but conveniently (and by chance) bumped into Denzel as he walked to his Ferrari. He was so cool and welcoming. We struck up conversation with him and thanked him for his contribution to acting and the Black community. He signed autographs for our mothers, got in his car and drove away. A great experience. I met him once more after that years later and he was still cool.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your new film, “A NEW LIFE” and how the idea evolved into the final product?
I wrote the screenplay for A New Life back in 2000. I noticed that storylines about Black men was relegated to drug dealers, athletes, gang bangers and players. There wasn’t much content that showed Black men as loving, upstanding and great fathers. I have always been someone who is protective of the black male’s image in the media. A New Life gave me an opportunity to show a different perspective of Black Men contrary to what we were seeing in the news or the media. Fast forward to 2020, technology made it possible for me to make it happen and bring it to fruition. I got the camera and the knowledge and made it happen.
What were some of the challenges you faced during the filmmaking process, and how did you overcome them?
The main challenge was shooting a full length feature film at start of lockdown during a pandemic for 16 days. We were still in the dark about so many things. There were no protocols in place, very few answers about things, but we were committed and driven to finish this film. Another challenge I faced was that I had a flare-up of a severe bout of Diverticulitis during the first week of shooting. Throughout one specific day of shooting I had a very bad fever that I was hoping wasn’t COVID. I just assumed I was working too hard. I shut down after the final shot and checked into the hospital the next day. It was Diverticulitis. I was out for about two weeks. Once back on set things moved smoothly though, just minus some pounds I lost.
Could you discuss the significance of the film’s title and how it relates to the overall theme or message?
The title “A New Life” was inspired by the song “New Life” written and sung by Kenny Green and the R&B group known as Intro. I thought it was one of the most powerful songs I’ve ever heard and as sad as the song is, I felt a lot of hope and inspiration through Kenny’s lyrics and vocal delivery. Turns out he wrote the song as a dedication to his father who had recently passed away. They key lyric in the chorus is “Everybody needs a new life, once in a while.” I named the film “A New Life” and made “Everybody needs one…” the tagline.
How did you approach casting for the film? What qualities were you looking for in the actors?
Almost ALL of the actors cast in the film were actors from my acting class and ran and operated for 11 years, the Breakin Through Acting Workshop (BTAW). I trained and coached them week in and week out, and knew their strengths and weaknesses. Many of them had studied with me for some time and it was a waiting game for me to find the right project to cast them in. Daffany McGaray Clark was promised the role of Stephanie years prior. Casting is usually a fairly easy process for me. In regards to casting, I just look for actors who are well trained, enthusiastic for the role, talented and easy to work with.
Were there any scenes or moments in the film that hold personal significance to you as the filmmaker/actor?
While on set when shooting the club scene in the film, I personally reminded myself that I was built and equipped to direct. That scene had a ALOT of moving parts to it but the day went by smoothly and we kept schedule. A LOT of the films I have made for some odd reason have huge ensemble casts. I’ve been able to direct large casts and crews but most importantly, I’ve seen that what shows in the final product is that EVERYONE shines in my productions.
Can you share any interesting behind-the-scenes anecdotes or memorable experiences from the set?
LOL. Let’s just say that the infamous sex scene had to be shot twice. What happens on set STAYS on set. I’ll leave it at that. LOL.
The music and sound design play a significant role in the film. How did you collaboration with Tarius Knight come about?
I owe A LOT of credit to my award winning post sound man and composer Jeffery Alan Jones. He has a penchant and a powerful gift for taking all of the elements and putting them together. He’s a remarkable, patient, and talented man. Him having a musical background helps us to communicate well. He saved me several times on this project. Also big credit goes to artist and film’s composer Derek Dominique. He contributed the majority of the songs to the soundtrack. He understands love and enjoys writing and singing about it. He and this film were definitely a match made in heaven. I also had three music supervisors that helped me find some of the amazing artists whose music is featured in this film… Roger Cross, Rene Benton and Juliette Ford. My introduction to Tarius Knight came through Juliette. She sent me a few songs as possible tracks for the film and as soon as I heard Tarius’ song “Believe me” I knew right away it was a hit and I needed to have it in the film. It plays at a crucial part towards the end and it’s perfect! Tarius was and continues to be a great source of support and constant motivation in regards to this film. A BIG shout out to him and a BIG thank you always to him as well.
What do you hope audiences will take away from this film, emotionally or intellectually?
What I want for viewers to take away from the film is to know that pain and loss is not a forever thing. Although life has its trials and tribulations there is always an opportunity to receive new things if you are brave enough to let go. Everybody needs and deserves a New Life. This film shows that. I’m looking forward to seeing it entertain and help people. I love for people to be able to relate with my work.
Were there any unexpected changes or developments that occurred during filming that influenced the final outcome?
There was temp music that I really wanted to be in the film, but unfortunately it’s hard to get clearance on hit records and classic songs. It’s always tough to have to sit for a week and find new music to replace the songs on a film that are now etched into your memory of that scene. The professional learns that letting go is part of the process in filmmaking. ESPECIALLY when it comes to the music. I still have a cut of the film where the hit songs are in there. The replacement songs work but there is always that thought of “What if I was able to have had everyone see it with those songs?”
I feel that music can often play a big role in our lives. Please tell us your top 5 artists that have influenced your career. Prince, Fleetwood Mac, Queen, Janet Jackson & Michael Jackson.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Lately it’s been a lot of interviews, coaching actors and promotion for the film. When I get small windows to move through I’m connecting with people and working on finding financing for my next two films, a horror film name “The Legend Of Ciscero” and a romantic comedy called “Big & Beautiful”.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us. Greatness Recognizes Greatness. People need to support indie artists. Some of the best work is coming from the indie world nowadays and NOT the major studios. I’m hoping that people support this film with group viewings, pay it forward campaigns, great honest reviews, and mass shares. I know that many will be entertained and benefit from what the film is about as well as the message that it promotes
Again, thank you for sitting down with us. We wish you the very best on and off the set! How can fans-to-be follow your career?
They may find A New Life social media @anewlifefilm on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. I can be reached personally @darkan2000 on Instagram, @darkanent on Twitter and on Facebook @ChoiceJSkinner.
Make sure to follow Choice Skinner and watch his new film, “A New Life”. It is available now on Amazon Prime as well as other streaming platforms worldwide.
https://www.amazon.com/.../B0B8T5ZR6P/ref=atv_dp_ share_cu_r
SF1 is an accomplished emcee, drummer, music producer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. He is a Berklee College of Music alumni and Grammy Award considered artist that hails from Denver, Colorado. When performing live, a skilled ensemble of talented musicians, “The Crew” accompanies him on stage. Receiving many accolades, including three Westword Magazine Music Awards in the hip-hop category, SF1 and The Crew are the first and only hip-hop act to play major league baseball’s Coors Field.
His singles “Autopilot”, “Ride”, “Love Song” and most recently, “Without You” have received airplay with iHeart Radio Stations. SF1 has shared stages with the likes of national recording artist, Jake Miller, Robert Delong, Jurassic 5, Big Data, Lupe Fiasco, MC Lars and the legendary KRS-One.
A hip-hop artist that refuses to be put in a box. His genuine love for music instrumentation is evident in his ability to effortlessly infuse jazz, Afro-Cuban, middle eastern, pop and rock within his energetic sound and compelling live performances.
Website: https://www.sf1music.com/
Stream “DOWN” available on all streaming platforms worldwide and add it to your playlist!
Follow SF1 @sf1music @ sf1productions Get tickets for The DOWN Tour www.sf1music.com for tickets and details!
#sf1downtour #sf1music #sf1down
I had two American grandfathers. One was my father’s father, the other was my stepfather’s father.
Max Charles Scott was a railroad man. He and Cora raised their three children in Red Willow County, Nebraska, St. Louis, Missouri, and Pueblo, Colorado. They followed wherever the railroad company took them.
Grandpa Scott made bathtub gin during the Prohibition years. He rode the rails during the Great Depression, stopping along the way to refresh himself at honky tonks and rowdy roadhouses. In the last years of his life, when he was living with us, he
began each day with a tall glass of Ten High whiskey and 7-Up. He read the newspaper all morning and shouted his editorial commentary as if he had an audience other than ten-year-old me sitting at the breakfast table with him. He ended each day with a couple of cold cans of Hamm’s beer.
That man could swear. He’d begin a sentence with an expletive then slowly and artfully meander his way to the end of it with a string of profanity that would have made Larry Flynt, Lenny Bruce, and George Carlin blush. He used Christ’s name in vain, often as an exclamation point, as in, “Jesus Christ Almighty!”
He spent his afternoons in the garage hammering on a busted car part, or under the hood of his 1942 Plymouth trying to wrestle a repaired car part back into place. He yelled and swore at that car as if it cheated him in a hand of high-stakes poker. He was as loud and raucous as a bar room brawl.
Franklin Powell Ray was a gentle man. He was soft-spoken and humble. I never heard him raise his voice in anger. He began each day the same way he ended it - with a solemn prayer and a cup of decaffeinated Folgers instant coffee. He ended every prayer with, “In Jesus name, Amen.”
He was the youngest child in a family of nine children. His parents were tobacco sharecroppers in Danbury, North Carolina. His grandfathers’ grandfathers fought for the North Carolina Infantry in places like Gettysburg and Shilo. When he was young, Grandpa Ray chewed tobacco, smoked tobacco, and knew his way around a moonshine jug. He probably spoke a curse word or two.
Frank rode the rails from tiny Danbury to Denver. Having no work for him in the big city, he made his way to the Great Northwest where he was a lumberjack for a couple of years. He grew tired of the long hours, low pay, head lice, and dangerous conditions. He went back to Denver where he met and married Rubye Kraft. She made him quit tobacco, quit drinking, quit swearing, and find Jesus. He was a true gentleman when he was with his grandchildren.
I was a child in the tumultuous 1960s and a teenager in the fabulous 1970s. My parents had a cigarette in one hand and a cocktail in the other throughout both decades. They watched progressive shows like “Laugh-In” and “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” where the modern, “jet-set” lifestyle was promoted. My parents drank and swore in front of me as a child. brother and me, but only mildly compared to Grandpa Scott.
I left home for the Army at 18. On my first day of basic training, the drill sergeants set upon us fresh recruits. They yelled and cursed, shocking us awake and out of our bunks. Some kids were upset, some took the profanity personally. Thanks to my Grandpa Scott, it was just Monday morning to me. I’d heard all those curse words and more.
not swear in front of them. Lord knows I’ve had my moments, but I’ve tried hard to not be vulgar.
I wanted them to experience the restraint and manners of my Grandpa Ray. I knew at some point they would learn Grandpa Scott’s worldly ways. I knew they would learn about them the same way I learned: on the playground, in the United States Army, and in college.
I never made hard and fast rules about my sons not smoking, drinking, and swearing in front of me. It just happened. An unspoken rule not to “act a fool” in front of each other became a house rule. I wanted our time together to be a sanctuary from all of that crudeness.
There are no right or wrong answers to this.
When it was my turn to be a parent, I made some decisions: 1. My sons would never see me intoxicated. We would never drink together. 2. I would