Artist Spotlight

14 things you didn’t know about Bellavolent

Fay Rae ( aka “Bellavolent”) started out as an aspiring singer with no real solid training & no financial support from anyone but herself. By luck & likely fate, she met a wonderful music producer who saw something in her that inspired him so deeply he helped her. We had an interview with Bellavolent and here is what she had to say.

Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

Fay Rae- Well as a kid I had always really enjoyed music, singing, song writing, poetry & dancing. I guess I just never grew out of my fascination with all the things that came along with being a music artist. I was kind of an odd but popular kid growing up in small towns in UTAH trying to say I was going to be a singer some day and not many people believed in me until they started to see me actually play more than shows in the park while still in high school. It did take me some time to get back to the roots of this dream, making music as a career for me. First, I went into modeling for a living as well as doing performance art instead for a bit, but I kept trying to collaborate with different music producers although I was still pretty clueless to the intricacies of the music industry. It wasn’t until I met Lorenzo Montanà my second time moving back to Los Angeles that the first song I had ever made was something I felt proud and excited to share with people. This song is called “Someone Like You” and it’s on BELLAVOLENT’s debut album dream. I wrote the album with Lorenzo in Italy which is how the name BELLAVOLENT was born. Out of being called Bella all over Italy for the two months I spent there. I mixed bella with the word benevolent and that is how I created a word the BELLAVOLENT that I now own the SEO on.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started this career?

Fay Rae- Interesting… ha, I don’t really know where to start. The most interesting… It really depends on the context. I guess if I were to share the context of something positive that was interesting that happened to me since I started my career could be that after driving past Capitol Records so many times living in Los Angeles, while practicing the law of attraction, I would always say “some day I am going to be recording my music in there.” I forgot to be more specific about wanting to be a signed artist at such a big historical label and by a few chances got to record my newest song there called Holding it Down in the same music studio Halsey records in on Frank Sinatra’s vintage Telefunken U47 microphone. I still I’m not an artist at Capitol Records, just to be clear. I I’m still currently self releasing through DistroKid and my small independent music label BossBabe Records.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting?

Fay Rae- Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that? Hmmm… so many funny mistakes. I am not sure if this was a mistake or actually brilliant… but when I got my first booking to play as Bellavolent live it was all because of one of my little sisters, Chantel, she had talked me up to her friend Ty, after showing him my first released single he asked to book me for the Timeless Dream Festival in Reno NV at the Morris Burner Hotel. He apparently adores my sister a lot &/or really liked my music and so he put me on as one of the headliners on Saturday night. I got such a rush from the whole thing and knowing that I had quite a bit of event production experience I began producing music events I would showcase my own music at and the music of many of my talented friends. I got stuck on event production and my debut album for so long that it took me a bit to realize how sick of playing the same music and producing events I was. Sometimes I wonder if I had just gone the normal route of being a music artist by just getting booked on gigs and tours right off the bat instead of also being an event producer if I would be further along than I am now. So I can’t help but wonder if that was a mistake or if it was somewhat brilliant or possibly both.

What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?

Fay Rae- Right now I am working on the release of a song called “Holding it Down” that’s set to release Friday June 18th that my friend Luke Villemur produced. I am really excited for that to be coming out as well as the string of music and promotional videos I have been working on for the campaign we are doing. I am also really excited for all the songs that I am doing the music production on in Ableton to be finished and have dates for them to come out on. I am also excited to be finally working on the live show again to start showcasing my new music starting August 5th at the Mint in Los Angeles.

Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?

Fay Rae- The most interesting people are people I still have the pleasure of interacting with. They tend to be music artists that I really vibe with. I wanna mention Eriel Indigo in this case. I have known her for many years and am so pleased to see her continue to develop and put out her music and art. I have so many stories with her that really developed her character for me. From her throwing together a music video for her unreleased song “Open up your eyes” in less than two days just so she could feature me in it when I was randomly visiting LA, one of the times I was living in Denver. From her just always being a true sweet friend, so much so that she also accepted the request to be a feature in my released music video for my song called Forever Babe. I have never seen a more focused and hard working music artist than her. She deserves all the success that is coming to her and that will keep coming to her.

Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?

Fay Rae- In any industry, I recommend that you have a self care routine. In the morning I like to meditate, do breath work, yoga, among quite a few other self care tactics to keep myself stable and happy in the stresses of everyday life.

You have been blessed with success in a career path that can be challenging. Do you have any words of advice for others who may want to embark on this career path, but seem daunted by the prospect of failure?

Fay Rae- I actually have been blessed, I am not certain if I could call what I have done a total success yet. Somehow I always have enough money to keep on creating music, so I feel really blessed on some levels of success that I am proud of. This career path isn’t something to bank on to be honest. It’s a passionate career. Make sure you have other sources of income while you are pursuing being a music artist and focus on how to generate income in the music industry in general. There are so many different ways to do it. Ask questions, attend industry meetings and events, watch videos, stay focused, don’t take things personal, don’t do it for the money, don’t be afraid to spend money, be a music artist because it makes you happy to do so.

Can you share with our readers any self care routines, practices or treatments that you do to help your body, mind or heart to thrive? Kindly share a story or an example for each.

Fay Rae- Oh hey! I mentioned this a little already but I guess I will go into details. The breath work I like to do is from Brian Scott and I found his breath work videos on YouTube. I often use this app called insight timer to do 22.5 minutes of meditation after that. But I just got turned onto this app called Binaural and it really brings a lot of peace and clarity by playing different hz. Then I have my own 45 min yoga routine I do mostly based on stretching my aghast parts to prevent being achy. I also highly recommend Kyndal’s Yoga & Meditation on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_tVFJwoSSNLp9jgJP4MNrA

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.

Fay Rae

Trust nobody, a lot of people in the music industry are scam snakes, beware.

Even though you cannot trust anybody before proving they are trustworthy… even after you think you can trust them, they still may figure out a way to hurt you.

I know I went off on the not trusting people thing, but you have to take risks and chances, just stay smart and get lawyers involved WHENEVER necessary.

Collaborate with people. 5. Be personal with everyone you meet, ESPECIALLY your fans!

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

Fay Rae- When I was a kid and would get into trouble for doing something bad and had the excuse of “they made me do it!” when my Dad confronted me, he responded “Oh yeah? Did they have a gun to your head?” luckily my childhood wasn’t that traumatic and so I said “No.” He responded “Well unless your life is being threatened no one can MAKE you do anything.” That stuck with me throughout my entire life, knowing I was never being forced to do anything gave me great power and also gave me the ability to take responsibility for my choices.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

Fay Rae- I definitely wanna thank everyone who supported me, like there are really too many to name. But in a really big way some of my music producers really helped me to achieve success and I did already shout out my two current faves Lorenzo Montanà & Luke Villemur. All the people who booked me to play shows or let me produce shows in their venues. There are some people I really wanna thank that I don’t think are appropriate to name here though I am still grateful.

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

Fay Rae- This is a really great question. I feel timid to give an answer that would be very authentic here because I got crap about this movement I wanted to be apart of many years before Trump was even elected to help save children out of the sex trafficking industry. With the whole Qanon agenda when the BLM movement was especially strong during the pandemic, Qanon was said to be pushing the agenda for focus on saving children out of sex trafficking and away from the BLM movement. I mentioned that I had some ideas about making that movement strong and got accused of being a Qanon supporter which I am not, I am so much more on the Black Lives Matter side of life, very far from Q. I think there are so many movements that deserve attention and human trafficking is the second largest criminal industry in the world. It’s been my goal since before I was actually proud of the music I was making to be able to start a non profit that hires special ops to save children out of the brothels they are forced to live and work out of around the world. Bringing them to protected safe houses and having volunteers teach them how to create different forms of art that could be sold at different fundraisers online and offline and at music festivals & shows etc. I also wanted to bring people in to teach sustainability and home gardens in the most poverty stricken communities like many places in Cambodia that actually sell their own children into the sex trafficking industry. It’s so common there it’s seen as normal. Knowing all of this just makes me sick and I hope that someday I can be a big support in this movement. There are so many other movements I have donated too otherwise while still working on success in what I love to do most, make music.

We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might see this. 🙂

Fay Rae- Oh wow, for real? I am not super updated on different VC’s but it would be amazing to have lunch with a VC that is interested in funding me as a music artist…

14 How can our readers follow you online?

Fay Rae- https://linktr.ee/bellavolent

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Artist Spotlight

Emika Love: Rising Music Artist Spreading Positivity

Meet Emika Love, a 19-year-old rising music artist from Sacramento, California. Emika’s unique sound and style are heavily influenced by her love for visuals and storytelling. In this interview, Emika shares how she tackles challenges in the music industry, her creative process, and her focus on making a positive impact on others through her music and interactions. With a big release coming up on May 19th, Emika is all geared up to bring her best self and leave a lasting impression on her listeners.

Honk: Let’s kick things off by getting to know each other a bit better. Tell us your name, age, and where you’re from—as much or as little as you’re comfortable sharing.

Emika: My name is Emika Love, and I am 19 years old. I am from Sacramento, California.

Honk: We all need good advice from time to time. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received about music?

Emika: The best advice I got from someone about music was to never stop and to keep pushing my music. One song might not be your favorite, but to someone else, it will be. It’s all about preference. The advice I would give someone is to be unapologetically yourself. It is essential to reach your highest potential!

Honk: If you could go back in time, what would you do differently based on what you know now?

Emika: If I could go back in time, I wouldn’t change anything. Everything I do, I stand by. I never have regrets, nor do I ever feel guilty. This is me, and every step and era I had and made was to make me have all the knowledge I have now. I am very blessed, honored, and thankful for everything and everyone.

Honk: We all face challenges, but what’s your biggest one yet?

Emika: My biggest challenge is that I love challenges.

Honk: What keeps you motivated and moving forward when things get tough in the music industry?

Emika: The thing that keeps me motivated is that I know where there’s good, there’s bad, and where there is bad, there’s good. Life only gets more complex, but you get stronger. Being able to do what I love is always the solution. So no matter how tough they are, diamonds need pressure. Nothing can take away from my music and motivation because, in the end, I’m doing it for myself and my people. There are going to be challenges, but bring them on.

Honk: If you had the chance to open a show for any artist, who would it be and why?

Emika: If I had the chance to open a show for any artist, it would be Taylor Swift. She brings such a warm, genuine atmosphere to the stage. Very feminine and whimsical energy, and just an all-around powerful, groovy tone. I believe we would bring an undeniable vibration to the stage.

Honk: Take us through your creative process. How do you come up with your excellent work?

Emika: My creative process is definitely all over the place and comes in so many forms. I usually start off with the visual side of things. So I will create a story visual in my head and say, “Now let’s tell the story. The visual part comes with me being a director, so it really sparks my creative process. Once I come up with the story, it’s time to tell it. I like to sit in the sink in my bathroom, look in the mirror, and sing melodies until I come up with the words. There will also be times where I will have a conversation with someone or read or hear about something that sparks it up as well. Once I come up with all of that, then the wardrobe and makeup come in to finish off the story.

Honk: We all struggle with productivity and scheduling at times. How do you tackle these issues and stay on top of things?

Emika: Productivity I don’t struggle with productivity, but there are times when I get scheduled for something, and the dates and times collide. I tackle this based on the cause. What is the job for? Is it for a good cause? Am I making an impact in others lives? It all depends on what is more effective for not just me but for others.

Honk: What are you currently focusing your time and energy on?

Emika: I am currently focusing on how to help others and have a positive impact on them. It is imperative to me that I leave a mark, add to people’s lives, and help them overcome some obstacles. I do that, whether it is to talk to them in person or through my music. I am also focusing on my music. I have a big release coming out on May 19th that has a message that people need to hear. That being the case, it is a project that holds a lot of weight in my heart. So I’m super focused on that and, all around, being the best Emika Amber Love.

Honk: Lastly, how can our readers follow you online?

Emika: To follow me online, you can find my music on all platforms as Emika Love, and my social media accounts are as follows: Instagram: eemikalove; Twitter: eemikalove; TikTok: emikalovee; YouTube: Emika Love; and Facebook: Emika Love.

Emika Love is a force to be reckoned with. Her unapologetic attitude towards being herself, pushing boundaries, and taking on challenges is inspiring. She creates from a place of authenticity, and her creative process is as unique as her music. With a big release on the horizon, Emika is focused on making a positive impact through her music and helping others overcome obstacles. Follow her journey on social media and join her mission to leave a lasting mark on the world.

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Artist Spotlight

DJ Skilz Returns to the DJ Scene as “The Scratch Enforcer”

Scratch DJs have been an integral part of the music industry for decades, with their unique style and technique often setting them apart from other types of DJs. Among the most prominent names in the world of scratch DJs is DJ Skilz, whose journey to the top of the industry began in New York in 1989. Since then, Skilz has achieved a level of success that few others in his field can match, with his innovative approach to DJing and his close partnership with American DJ helping to propel him to the forefront of the industry. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Skilz’s career, his rise to fame, and the impact he’s had on the world of scratch DJing.

Skilz’s success didn’t stop there, as he continued to push the boundaries of scratch DJing with his unique style and techniques. He gained a reputation for his ability to seamlessly blend different genres of music, creating a sound that was entirely his own. Skilz also became known for his creative use of turntables and mixers, incorporating scratching, beat juggling, and other techniques into his performances. His skills and innovation earned him the respect of his peers and a legion of fans around the world. In addition to his work with American DJ, he was able to take his DJing to new heights, performing at major events and festivals across the world. Today, DJ Skilz’s achievements and contributions to the world of scratch DJing remain a fixture in the world of scratch DJing, continuing to inspire and influence the next generation of DJs to follow in his footsteps.

Skilz’s return to the DJ scene was met with great excitement from fans and peers alike, eager to see what new tricks and techniques he had up his sleeve. Skilz quickly proved that he hadn’t lost his touch, seamlessly integrating his classic vinyl skills with new digital technologies and software. He also continued to showcase his ability to blend different genres of music, creating unique and memorable sets that kept audiences on their feet. Skilz’s comeback was also a reminder of his enduring influence on the world of scratch DJing, as he continued to inspire a new generation of DJs to pursue their passion and strive for greatness. With Skilz back in the mix, the world of scratch DJing is sure to be in for many more years of innovation and excitement.

From his early days in New York to his rise to the top of the industry, Skilz’s career has been defined by his relentless drive to innovate and push the boundaries of what’s possible in scratch DJing. His legacy is felt not just in his own work but in the creation of countless DJs around the world who have been inspired by his example. Skilz’s enduring impact on the DJ world is a testament to his talent, creativity, and unwavering dedication to his craft. As the world of scratch DJing continues to evolve, DJ Skilz remains a towering figure, a true pioneer whose influence will be felt for generations to come.

Connect with DJ Skilz on Instagram | Spotify