FASHION BY THE RULES: Viva V-MODA

There is an interesting partnership that is made up of a fashion designer and a music producer/performer, and together they have forged a company that yields merchandise as varied as ear pods and dresses. The common thread is music.

Val Kolton is the musical half of the duo who has devoted himself to the brand and its varied products while Terri King has dressed everyone from the Rolling Stones to Nine Inch Nails. Both bring their rock mentality to the products and both provide an undeniably distinctive look, whether it is a hat, ear buds or dress.

The apparel collection which is for both for men and women suggests that rocker look without being too over the top, meaning you don’t have to be a rocker to look like one. The men’s collection is punctuated with wonderful white shirts and T shirts worn on their own or with terrifically fitted jackets with zap details as well as an exaggerated fit. The ladies scream sexy by what the clothes suggest and not reveal – leather inserts, slash details and corsetry work in dresses and tops. Make no mistake that these clothes draw attention to their owners and certainly turn you into the rocker you are or the rocker you ‘wannabe.”

A word of thanks to MAO pr for allowing me to make use of their clients for these columns and do not forget to catch the entire V-MODA look and philosophy on their web site V-MODA.com and as always you can keep up with me on Facebook and http://jeffybruce.blogspot.com/. See you next week.

Ten minutes with David E. Beats

Music producer/artist David E beats is what you’d call a triple threat in the music industry. He’s a musician, producer, and songwriter looking to crave his way into the Nouveau scene. Beats is credited with producing; mixing and mastering; writing and rapping on all the songs. Beats graciously spent a few minutes to speak his mind:

Where did your interest in music begin?
It began at a very early age. I was introduced to music by my parents and I grew up enjoying rock and soul. I later got into hip hop at 15.

What is it like as a young artist trying to establish yourself in both the music and production scenes?
It is hard but I enjoy the challenge! I love learning new things and building new relationships because the joy of things coming to fruition is the best feeling for me.

Have you faced any obstacles on your way to where you are?
I face obstacles everyday. Chasing your dream requires a lot of sacrifice and dedication and discipline. So I rarely get discouraged.

You’re called a hip-hop artist, but you blend genres in your music. What, if any, category do you consider yourself be a part of?
I call it “Nouveau”. It essentially consists of all these newer talented artists like Drake and Kid Cudi whom are able to do more than just rap, but create stories and do something truly musical.

What ideals/messages do you hope to portray through your songs?
I just want people to know that they can achieve anything. If I can do it, anyone can!

You’ve been producing pretty rapidly, releasing 2 mix tapes this year, thus far. Is that a trend you want to try to keep up?

I am releasing a full length album shortly called “EXIT” which will be pushed for the time period of a normal album cycle. I do plan to release content quite rapidly however. This is the digital age, and unless you are constantly in peoples minds with your music they will forget you.

What music, other than your own, do you enjoy?
I listen to literally anything. From Fefe Dobson to Lil Wayne and Soulja Boy, I bump it all.

What other artists inspire and motivate you?
As artists we all kinda go through the same trouble and tribulations so I respect any artist who can make this game work in their favor, and those are the ones I look up to!

What was it like having the chance to tour in your Open Mic-Showcase so soon after releasing your first mix tape?
It was a great experience! It gave me the time to perfect my live show and smooth out my stage presence.

Is your music entirely your own effort, or do you work collaboratively with other musicians/artists?
I usually do everything on my own, then I take it to a larger studio to get the songs mixed down.

What is the songwriting process like for David E Beats?
It all starts with the first bar, once I hear the beat, I think of the best way to start the song. From there it just evolves.

What would you say to any young artists out there trying to make it big?
Constant work and diligence. Just when you think all is lost, the seed you planted blossoms.

What is the one song that never fails to make you happy?
TI – What’s Up, Whats Happenin’