Interview with Royalty

Photo by  The Yellow Wall 

DJ Eric DA King is an up and coming DJ from Detroit, Michigan. He attended Martin Luther King Jr. High School. After few years of attending Wayne State University, his passion for music exploded into his love of Djing. He is a DJ full of energy, fun, and waiting for the track to drop. DJ Eric DA King wants to spread his love for music and having a great time among the masses. I finally got a chance to sit down with this humble young man for a one on one interview, and a better insight on this great new talent. Follow him on Instagram : @erictheking08

               

1.    When did you fall in love with music?

 When I was little. Music was always around me as I grew up. One of the many reasons I enjoy old school music.

2.    What’s your favorite genre of music to play? And why?

I like to play Hip Hop and Techno. I like the hard base of many Hip Hop songs and I like the different styles and sounds of Techno and plus Techno was made in Detroit.

3.    Who would you say is your biggest influence? And why?

My biggest influence is my girlfriend. She was the one to motivate me to go into Djing. Also DJ Bet helped me by showing me the ropes on what kind of gear I need as a DJ, and DJ Head also showed me all the basic skills and knowledge I need to help me on my journey as a DJ.

4.    Do you believe growing up in Detroit gives you a different style of Djing? And what would you call your style?

Yes, I do, and since I’m still young in the DJ game I would say my style is still evolving and changing every day, so as of right now I say my style is like a Transformer.

5.    What is the most important thing or person that keeps you moving forward when you have a bad day or performance? And how does it help you?

I always remind myself that there is a new day coming, and to just focus on improving my craft. It helps me not to live in the past.

6.    Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself owning my own entertainment company, and helping other up and coming DJ just like I had other DJ to help me. I see myself touring and performing for thousands at a time.

7.    Where do you go to get motivation and what do you once you get there?

I have a small quiet place at home that I go to, and I just put my headphones on and let the music take me away.

8.    What is your go to song when you are Djing to get the crowed rocking? And why is this your go to song?

Cha Cha slide has been my go to song lately, yet my style is always changing so for right now that is my go to song.

9.    If you could eternally be stuck in one year's music scene, which year would it be?

I would choose late 80’s or early 90’s because everything was like powerful and had a movement. We celebrated our culture, and they had messages in the music that still stands today. Plus, there was great story telling in the music.

10. What is one track that never gets old for you no matter how many times you hear it?

It would be Detroit’s Jit songs. I can never get tired of those songs.

11. What is one track that got popular that you can't stand?

Beyoncé’s song “If I was a Boy” would be that track for me. I don’t like those type of songs because it does not make sense to me.

12. What festivals would you most like to play at?

Detroit’s Techno fest because Detroit started techno and It is one biggest festivals in the city. I also want to play for River Days in Detroit.

13.  Before you go, how did you get your name “DJ Eric DA King” and do it have a special meaning to you?

My first name is Eric, and I went to Martin Luther King Jr High School and I am a Leo which Lions are known as “The King of the Jungle”. Yes, it does have a special meaning to me. When I hear my name it makes me feel like royalty.

MAHD: Rhare artist of the month

Detroit’s newest artist MAHD is adding energy to his career after his first EP release "MAHD ALMIGHTY". He released several songs and videos including "Lotus", a cover of Jay-Z and Kanye West's "Otis". MAHD has been featured on many social and music sites as VIBE.com, 2dopeboyz, Kevin Nottingham, and other main music websites. Check out the link to his video "Hello Detroit" http://youtu.be/kOPzbDI6Gp0

After writing and making songs the last few years for other musicians and himself, MAHD made his entry  into the music scene with his single "Pretty Ladies". The song dropped online to great acceptance  and love, and the official video is presented on World Star Hip Hop. "Pretty Ladies" continues to obtain steady radio and club play across the Midwest, most outstandingly in his hometown of Detroit. MAHD can be found on iAmMAHD.com and Datpiff.com.  

RhareFootage had the pleasure to interview MAHD , and get a better look at this “Rhare” artist.

1)            How long have you been performing/making music?

I've always messed around with music but I started taking it serious around 2010.

2)            How would you describe your music?

I would describe my music as heart felt and authentic. Like a collage of everything I came up on, with my own touch added to it.

3)            What inspired you to write your single “Hello Detroit”?

My city inspired me. When AwillTraxx  first sent the beat, I instantly felt the need to speak on my city. I just heard Hello Detroit once I hit play. The rest is history.

4)            What should your fans know about your album “13”?

This album is very personal. It's everything that happened in the year 2013. From start to finish. The good, bad and ugly. I really took my time on this album so I want people to just hear my story. Hopefully some can relate.

5)            What made  you pursue your dream of music?

Initially, I would always say I never wanted to rap for real. After a while of hearing many people say I need to take it serious, plus me not being satisfied from the music that was being put out at the time...I finally decided let me see what I can do. I just wanted to make music that I'd like to hear.

6)            When  was the moment you knew music was your passion?

I grew up surrounded by music. From my family to my friends. So I've always had a passion for music and it's always been around me. Even if I wasn't doing this full time I’d still be just as passionate about music. It's a major part of my life.

7)            What inspires you and your music?

Life experiences. I make sure I talk about my life, what I've done and seen personally. It comes out in the music. I feel like if I talk about my life then I'll always have something to talk about.

8)            Would you say being from Detroit influence your music? If so why?

Yes, definitely. I grew listening to Slum Village, Dilla's beats, Royce, Em and the list goes on. It definitely set a standard in my eyes of where my music should be. Detroit has made some of the best artists in the world so being from here definitely influences me. Also just the city and people itself play a major role.

9)            Do you believe your musical roots influence your music?

My musical background plays a big part in my career. Coming up I got to see the ends and outs of making music and the industry. So when I started it was like second nature.

10)          How would you describe yourself as an artist?

I would describe myself as an artist that can't be put in a box. Lyrical, original, aggressive, versatile and more. I'm always looking to get better and learn new things. I push myself with this music.

11)          Describe yourself in one word and explain why you chosen that word to describe you.

Determined. I say this because no matter what comes my way I'm determined to get where I'm trying to go. I won't let anyone or anything stop me.

12)          What would you be doing if you were not doing music?

I'm not really sure. Maybe I would've went back to school or something. It's kind of hard to say now that I'm doing it because I can't see me doing anything else.

13)          What do you look to for inspiration when writing your lyrics?

I normally only record when I've already been inspired by something. I write about my life so when something happens. Good or bad, I write about it. So I normally don't have to look for inspiration because if I haven't been inspired by anything then I'm not getting in the booth.

14)          What do you want people to take away from your music when they hear it?

I’d like them to take away something they can relate to. Rather it be a line I said or a whole song, if they can relate and it helps them get through their day then I've done my job. I feel like everyone goes through similar things so what I'm rapping about, someone else may be able to relate to it.

15)          What advice would you give to someone who wants to get into the music business?

Be prepared. You have to be prepared mentally and physically. There's a lot of ups and downs in this game and if you're not mentally prepared you may feel like giving up. Also stay ready so you won't have to get ready. This industry isn't easy so staying ready helps to make the job a tad easier.

16)          If you can say anything to your fans, what would it be?

I honestly appreciate everyone that rocks with me. Everyone that comes to my shows or help spread my music or support in anyway. I appreciate all of it and it helps me to keep going. Shoutout to the fans!

17)          What makes you a rhare artist?

What makes me rhare is I stay true to myself no matter what. Also I feel I'm the best. Seeing that there can only be one best at a time I think that makes me very rhare lol.

     Interview by

                                                                                                                                                                Rhaylinn Thompson 

Kandis Page Photography

Hello everyone!!

                I’m so sorry for the long delay in my posting. I had some real life issues to handle. Now, I am back to let you all know about a wonderful photography company in the Detroit called Kandis Page Photography LLC. Once I saw the beautiful pictures and hometown pride, I knew I had to get an interview with this wonder photographer. After speaking with her about her company, I could tell right away that photography is not a hobby for her, yet it is a passion. To check out her amazing work and to get in contact with her check out her facebook page https://www.facebook.com/kandispagellc  Here is the interview with the owner Kandis:

 1.           When did you start doing photography?

                I have always loved to take photos; however, I began to do serious photography about three years ago.

2.     What kind of photos do you like to shoot?

When I began shooting I wanted to do high fashion photography, but eventually acquired a love for environmental and architectural photography. Soon after I thought it would be smart of me to be well rounded and look into all forms of photography.

3.   When did your company start?          

My company became official (LLC) as of late 2012.

4.   Which moment have you had on site that made you say “I love what I do"? 

I think for me whenever I can capture moments that people would otherwise miss out on, is what makes me say “I love what I do” or when someone has seen their pictures and are extremely happy.

5.   Do you think you living in Detroit influence your work or style of photography?

Living in Detroit certainly influenced my work. Detroit has always had so much to show and still does, but the fact that the world projects Detroit in such a negative light sometimes only inspires me to want to show the world what they truly miss out on, on a positive note with Detroiters and our beautiful city!

6.  What word would best describe your passion for your company and your talent?

Committed, would be the best word to describe my company and my talent.

7.  Who or what is your inspiration?        

Wow! This is a tough one!! I can honestly say I find inspiration from so much. More than anything my parents are my motivation. They showed me what it was to own a business at a young age because they owned one while still while still maintaining other jobs from time to time. With that being said I had the opportunity to see the flexibility, commitment, and hard work of a business and what it took to own one. Once I got a little older I receive the opportunity to work at various companies/businesses in which I received much experience, however I was building someone else’s dream, which is also inspiration in itself because not many will take the chance to step away from that and say I want to do something different. Aside from those things my family, my friends, my CITY, other artistic works (not just photography) and even my own work are my motivation also!

8.  Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years I want to be completely established. I want to be a master at my craft but still be a student to my craft is that makes sense. In addition to that, I want to have given at least about ten to twenty scholarships to high school seniors looking to pursue the field of photography after they graduate, teach people what I learned and what it took to become successful, have more photography equipment (of course lol), I want to have retired my parents, have a nice size studio, I want to have traveled the world to have pictures of everywhere. Most importantly I want to have been able to give back. Although I know my answer seems very “photography driven”, photography is my life and I love it! I just want to be able to open new doors for everyone, not just photographers, show people that owning your own business can be done, help build my city up in the best light possible, and be the go to person whenever people are looking for photography need.

9.   Out of all the photos you have taken, which one is your favorite to shoot?   

Man, that’s a hard one too but hands down, I would have to say the pictures I take around the city are some of my favorite!

10. Describe your photos with one word.             

Creative

11.  Do you think Detroit is a good back drop for photography?  

Of course! As I touched on in some of the others questions, Detroit has so much to see and show the world. I can’t lie, I think we as Detroiters even take for granted what it is that we have to offer sometimes. We have some of the best areas to take pictures and we are home to some of the greatest art!

12.  What made you start your company?            

What made me start my company was being tired of working for someone else, not to mention I wanted to do something I loved rather than just doing something to pay the bills. Photography was that thing for me!

13. Who would you say is your biggest supporters?         

My biggest supporters are family, friends, PEOPLE I DON’T KNOW, and my business partners! I’m a really self-motivated person, but the abundance love and support I get from all of these people is UNMATCHED and fuels my drive for what I do even more!

14.  How would you describe Detroit to a visitor of the city?        

I would describe Detroit to a visitor as “a diamond in the rough”. Though that makes perfect sense to a Detroiter it may be confusing to someone else even though it shouldn’t be. I would simply describe Detroit as a city that has its problems just like any other city however the positivity and talent that is here is overshadowed by so much negativity.

15.  Last question, what advice would give someone who wants to start their own photography company?         

The best advice that I can give to someone starting a photography business or any business for that matter is to stay consistent, know that sometimes that your family and friends will not be the first people to support you, believe in what it is you’re doing or no one else will, remove all emotions from business matters and DO NOT expect instantaneous results!

Interview that is so Rhare

Women Rhare

It’s that time of the year again, the snow melting, rain pouring, and potholes growing. Yes everyone, spring is back in Detroit. Along with the season, the fashion scene is changing. It seems the more you look around, the more it seems that everyone is wearing the same thing as the next person. I have to tell you as a woman that is the biggest fear to show up wearing the same outfit as another woman. Living in an urban city full of music and art, it’s hard to find something rare and unique. I found a place where you can find that classic look.

It’s called Rhare Footage Clothing Co. It is a classic urban clothing store. I went to their website and feel in love with a two of their pieces which was their “he loves me ” and “build Detroit tough” shirts. The prices are reasonable and the color selection I really like. Not that may online stores give you that many colors to choose from for every item. Check it out for yourself at http://www.rharefootage.com/

I had a wonderful  interview with the owner of Rhare Footage Clothing Co. For all my readers in the Detroit/ Detroit metro area, Rhare Footage is having a unveiling of their first commerical this Saturday, April 5th  from 7 pm until midnight at 5E Gallery 4605 Cass avenue, Detroit MI 48201. Go show support to this wonderful company and see the clothing for yourself, plus there will be live performances and free giveways that night. Don't miss out.

Men Rhare

Here’s  the interview, Enjoy.

1.   When did your clothing line start?

March 2013

2.   What is the name of your clothing line, and how did you come up with that name?

Rhare Footage.  I’ve been thinking of clothing ideas for years, I met with artist, graphic designers, and more artist and I never clicked with them until I met my partner Titus Johnson he took my idea of having a Rhare line to always give the consumer something different and together we built "Rhare Footage" I always try to get exclusive shoes and I want my own exclusive clothing so rhare footage is rhare lol.

3.   What inspire you when it comes to fashion?

SHOES. Shoes is my favorite part of all outfits I feel like shoes could make the dullest outfit the most extravagant in the building. Ex. black Levis plain black tee? Anybody can do that, but add some "when pigs can fly" Nike dunks to it and you have a totally different outfit!

4.   How would you describe your clothing line in one word?

RHARE

5.   Where can people find and buy your clothing line?

www.rharefootage.com

6.   Who do you make clothes for? (women, men, children)

Men and women, and as of the summer of 2014 children as well.

7.   Do you think growing up in Detroit influence your clothing line?

I’m Built Detroit Tough so yes.

8.   Which celebrity style do you relate to, or inspire your personal style?

Teyana Taylor as random as that might be.

9.   What’s the inspiration behind your clothing line?

I’m inspired by competition I thrive off it.

10.    Do you think you are ahead of the fashion trends? why or why not?

I feel that my line is Classic/Timeless so it will always stay in style and will never be considered a trend.

11.    Would you say your clothing line is a rebel when it comes to the rules of fashion, or do you play by the rules?

I’d say it rebels because my clothing line doesn't have a face, you can't look at rhare footage and say that’s for white people or black or any other race it’s just classic as I previously stated.

12    What’s the size range of your clothing line?

Adult  XS-5x

13.   What message do you want people to get from your line?

That it’s not ok to be like everyone else be rhare dare to be different be your own Waldo.

14.   If you had to choose one piece from your clothing line to represent you, which one would it be?

The Built Detroit Tough

15.    How hard was it for you to start your own company?

Honestly God has blessed me with a great day to day job so when I met Titus we put our heads together started researching material and in a matter of 7 months we had 3 different looks 3 different designs and we went straight to work.

16.  What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own clothing company?

Sale to strangers not friends.