Celebrity
Summer Watson Speaks Out About Her Big Return After Surviving Cancer, New Music And Creative Process
A big voice with an even bigger heart, soprano Summer Watson is a singer on a mission. The chart-topping international vocalist aims to inspire as well as entertain. “Go for your dreams and never give up” is the message of this world-class classical crossover artist. Having beaten breast cancer and survived a deadly train crash she knows all too well the setbacks that challenge us in life. But Summer also understands the importance of determination, the healing power of music, and how to let talent flourish.
Hello Summer, welcome to Honk Magazine, we are thrilled to have you with us today!
Thank you so much for having me!!
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am a British Classical Crossover artist, who now lives in LA. I trained at the Royal College of Music, London, my love of classical music and more contemporary music initiated the spark within me to want to be able to blend classical music with more contemporary music such as Sting and film music on the same album. I signed to Sony and had the honor of recording at Abbey Road studios, London – the album went to #1 on the iTunes charts in the US.
As well as performing the wealth of amazing music out there – I also love to write my own music. My inspiration comes from life’s journey embedded with the love of the phenomenal nature here in LA, Malibu being some of my favorite scenery. I love to reset at least once a week and head to Venice beach to swim.
“Break The Silence” marks your big return after battling breast cancer. What is the lesson you want your listeners to take from this single?
It is crucial for us all to take some time to get quiet, what is our inner self trying to tell us? And then to break the silence and release the authentic you. The Break the Silence song & video represents that many people work their whole lives and are never happy and go against what their inner voice is telling them. It doesn’t matter what we do in this life – but it is crucial that we are being authentic and can break free and live our truth.
You are a stunning warrior! Where do you find your strength?
Aww, that’s so kind of you to say! I pull strength from meditating every day, from the greats before me like Anne Frank, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Princess Diana. My drive and strength on a daily basis comes from my amazing Mum. She has supported me my entire life.
You have traveled a lot, and your life’s story is truly inspiring. How does experiencing so many cultures influence your music?
I love this question. I think it is so important for all of us, especially artists, to get out of our bubble and experience as many cultures and different ways of living as possible. The weeks I lived in Africa and got to spend time with the Massai tribe and seeing the most amazing safari and landscapes definitely plays a part in the orchestration of one of the new singles in my upcoming EP Unveiled. Visiting Iceland & New Zealand and seeing the most epic scenery allowed for the visuals in my head for the new EP to come to life. Experiencing so many different cultures has allowed me to see that essentially we all want one thing and that is to feel connected and to be happy.
How do you create your music? Do you first write the lyrics or compose melodies?
I am extremely blessed to have been writing with my writing partner Taras for over 6 years now. I tend to share something that is inside of me that I want to express, we write the chord structure on the piano, then a vocal melody usually comes to me, and then together we write the lyrics based off of the story I want to share.
Your latest release topped iTunes charts, do you feel any pressure with your upcoming EP? Can you tell us a little bit more about this project?
Firstly it is still surreal that the SUMMER (Spotify) album with Sony was #1 in the States on the iTunes chart. I am more invested in the process of creativity than the outcome. Obviously, I would love everyone to be inspired by the new single Break the Silence and the whole EP Unveiled, but I personally am extremely proud of it as it marks a new chapter in my life. I have had an amazing year and it has been one of my most creative years to date. In April, my golden retriever Marleigh passed away in my arms and the pain was unbearable. The only way out is through – so I committed to being in the studio every day. Writing and recording every day releasing the pain from within was such a healing process. The other singles on the album represent different stages of the metamorphosis we all have inside of us. Break the Silence and release what’s inside of you, Unveiled is unveiling our inner beauty, This Life celebrates life – showing us that life is so beautiful.
How would you describe your sound?
The best way to describe my sound is to imagine an Adele pop-style vocal with epic Bond-esque cinematic orchestration. Classical, but mostly pop-driven, deep harmonies, and big ensembles for the world stage, with soaring but elegant vocals.
As a crossover singer, you create a truly unique kind of music! Would you give a chance to experiment with other genres like hip-hop or edm?
In a heartbeat – I love collaborating with different artists! I think those genres would lend themselves very well to a classical crossover vocal artist such as myself.
Who are some of the artists you would love to collaborate with?
Drake, Pharrell Williams, Sting, Adele, David Foster
What’s your current favorite song and album?
My friend and amazing singer Connor Duermit & Sam Fischer are two artists I love.
What’s next for Summer Watson?
Really excited to be telling everyone about the upcoming singles. Planning a new video for one of the singles. Lots of time interacting with everyone online. And then the plan is to get writing in the studio again!
Thank you so much!
Thank YOU so much Honk Magazine – it has been truly an honor to be featured in your fantastic magazine.
Follow Summer Watson on Instagram and Spotify.
Celebrity
Wifisfuneral Defends Relationship With XXXTentacion’s Ex After Ski Mask The Slump God Calls Him Out
Wifisfuneral is facing backlash after revealing that he went on a date with Genesis Sanchez, the mother of XXXTentacion’s child. The post was slammed by people who still have strong emotional ties to the rapper, including Ski Mask The Slump God, who questioned Wifisfuneral’s motives and raised a separate claim against XXXTentacion.
The drama kicked off after Wifisfuneral posted about hanging out with Sanchez. The meeting quickly became a talking point among fans and people around the late artist due to her connection to XXXTentacion. While some thought the situation was distasteful, the news hit Ski Mask especially hard.
Ski Mask responded to Wifisfuneral, who had previously attempted to use voodoo on XXXTentacion. He also made a separate allegation concerning XXXTentacion’s mother, adding another provocative claim to an already heated exchange. His comments made it clear he was unhappy about Wifisfuneral going on a date with Sanchez.
Wifisfuneral didn’t take the criticism lightly. In his response, he flatly denied ever using voodoo against XXXTentacion, stating he had no reason to do so and wouldn’t pretend to have that kind of power. He also rejected suggestions that his meeting with Sanchez was an attempt to capitalize on the late rapper’s memory or seek attention.
The rapper gave his own account of their relationship, saying he and Sanchez had known each other since they were 13 and dated until 2016. Wifisfuneral said they hadn’t spoken or been in contact for the last decade until they bumped into each other by chance. “We just picked up where we left off,” he said, adding that there was no intention of turning the meeting into a public show.
Wifisfuneral also acknowledged he understood why the situation might not sit well with some people. But he insisted that the public interpretation did not reflect what actually transpired between him and Sanchez. “There is nothing for either of us to gain by turning the meeting into a controversy or using it for publicity,” he said.
The dispute underscores how relationships with a late artist can be particularly fraught for fans and former collaborators. For many listeners, XXXTentacion’s death is still an emotional part of his story, and the people closest to him continue to draw attention when their lives become part of the public discussion.
At this point, Ski Mask and Wifisfuneral’s claims are still competing statements. Ski Mask has questioned the rapper’s motives and alleged past wrongdoing, while Wifisfuneral has denied any wrongdoing and shared a different account of his past with Sanchez.
The exchange has heightened tensions, and there is no indication the two artists have settled their differences. For now, Wifisfuneral is standing by his explanation as backlash around the date continues.
Celebrity
Jacqueline Kelly, Former Diddy Prosecutor, Takes Lead on Cornell Sexual Assault Investigation
Jacqueline Kelly, a former federal prosecutor who helped oversee the sex-crimes case against Sean “Diddy” Combs, has been tapped to lead a reopened criminal investigation into allegations of sexual assault at Cornell University. The appointment brings in a prosecutor who worked on a high-profile case into another sensitive investigation, almost two years after the alleged incident.
New York Attorney General Letitia James announced Wednesday, November 4, that Kelly was appointed as outside counsel for the Cornell investigation. The investigation will be reopened, and the role will involve reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses.
In taking on the new assignment, Kelly’s background is notably shaped by her previous work on the Diddy case. The Combs investigation drew considerable public interest, and Kelly helped oversee the sex-crimes case against the music mogul. Now she’s at the center of another investigation with serious allegations, and she was chosen for the Cornell matter.
The Cornell investigation is into an allegation of sexual assault alleged to have happened nearly two years ago. The criminal investigation is back on, and Kelly has been tasked with reviewing the evidence and interviewing witnesses. The review is focused on those steps, but the information provided does not outline the particular evidence currently under review or the witnesses who might be interviewed.
Kelly will be outside counsel, James’s announcement said, putting her in a leadership role in the investigation. The appointment does not reach conclusions about the allegations or hint at the outcome of the inquiry. The work described aims to review the evidence and collect information from witness interviews.
Hiring a former federal prosecutor who handled a high-profile sex-crimes case is a significant development for the reopened investigation. Kelly’s history with the Combs case has drawn attention to her new role, but the Cornell matter is a separate investigation with its own facts and evidence.
This is an important next step in the process – it’s been almost two years since the alleged incident. The announcement said the investigation is proceeding under new leadership, with Kelly responsible for reviewing the material and interviewing people with relevant information.
No further information has been provided about the allegations, the evidence, or when the process might occur. Nor is there any indication as to when the investigation might end. So far, all that’s been confirmed is Kelly’s appointment and the duties she’s been assigned.
Now that James has made the decision public, the attention will shift to the reopened investigation and how it unfolds under Kelly. The appointment has a high-profile connection to her involvement in the Diddy case. Still, the Cornell inquiry will ultimately be determined by the evidence and witness accounts collated during the review.
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