Indie Ville TV #97 The Sound of Overcome Silence

Written Alexis Chateau   

Founded by the son of a former rock star turned preacher, Overcome Silence mixes

hardcore metal with a more progressive sound, and a pinch of faith.

“My Dad played in an old 80s band,” lead vocalist Caleb, explains. “The record label that

signed Katy Perry – when they first started up, they asked my Dad to sign with them, but

the band declined. He’s a preacher now.”

Caleb sees himself as just carrying the torch, as the musician in the family. In fact, even

though the band only recently got its start in November 2014, Caleb had the band name

set aside from as early as 7 th or 8 th grade.

“I made that name… when I got my first rock band game,” he laughs. “I thought: this

needs to be a real name. This needs to be a real band. It eventually became a real band,

and we’ve been playing shows for more than a year now.”

During this time, the band has enjoyed a wealth of opportunities – from meeting their

favorite bands, to having their favorite bands watch their shows and flaunt their

merchandise. In 2015 – less than a year after getting the started – the band competed in

the Ernie Ball 19 th Annual Battle of the Bands.

“It wasn’t as hyped as it could have been,” Caleb remembers. “The year before, Music

City Booking got their own stage and there were a bunch of local bands that played that

stage. We hoped for the same, but it ended up not happening. There’s [sic] so many

bands competing. It’s hard to win without a large following.”

But the band didn’t leave the experience without a valuable lesson learned. “It’s good for

people to check you out, but hard for people to find you in the place. It taught us that we

need to get out there first.”

And that’s exactly what the band has been working on – focusing more on doing shows

outside of Nashville, and out-of- state. So far, the band has travelled even to Virginia,

where Caleb describes one of the most interesting venues he’s ever played at.

“We played at a metal church in Winchester, Virginia,” he shares. “The church was called

Heaven’s Pit and they center worship around mosh-pitting.” He laughs. “Right when you

enter, you feel like you’re in a biker gang. Almost all the girls have colored hair. Even the

kids look metal. They have eight year olds moshing in the pit.”

This was not Caleb’s first run with mixing metal and Jesus. Firmly rooted in his faith,

Caleb first began Overcome Silence with the hope of making it big as a hardcore

Christian rocker. But so far, he’s seen many such musicians struggle to make it in the

industry.

“It sucks, because my dream as a kid was to be an awesome hard rock Christian band,”

Caleb admits. “But right now, they’re all doing terrible. The choice is live your dreams

and not be as successful, or choose the more successful route and see where it goes…

This generation is not into [Christian music] and it’s sad.”

In spite of Caleb’s dismal outlook on success in the music industry, his band has worked

with big names like Phinehas, War of Wages, and Wolves at the Gate. The band also had

the amazing opportunity to meet Demon Hunter.

“They’re the reason I’m a metal band musician,” Caleb gushes. “They show you can still

be a Christian and be metal. I’ve run into their guitarists so many times, and I always

freak out. They’re two people I just can’t be normal with.”

Perhaps, because of their success, Caleb plans to keep working on his dream. “We’re

gonna go wherever life hits [sic] us,” he shares. “We’re gonna make music and send it

out to the radio stations and record labels and get an honest opinion. If they like it, let’s

do it.”

The band features an all-new lineup with Caleb still on vocals, Sterling and Max on

guitars, and Logan on drums. Overcome Silence also works with a fifth member, Josh,

who replaces Max Garcia for out-of- state shows.

Give them a listen. They’ll blow your mind – and your speakers.

Indie Ville TV #96 The Beautiful and Talented MUA Meko Davis

Written by Lilian Ogbuefi

Early this year, Meko Davis, an outstanding makeup artist who has worked with brands such as

Fox, PBS and L’Oréal Paris was nominated for the Indieville TV awards “Best MUA Category”.

We recently caught up with her for a quick interview and here’s what she had to say.

Being nominated for the award was a great moment in Meko’s life, a reminder of how far, she had come, how well she was doing and how much more still needed to be done. Her career as a makeup artist began seven years ago at a point in time when she would never have guessed that

this was going to be her ultimate calling. Unlike many make-up artistes, Meko did not have the

luxury of knowing early on that this was what she always wanted to do. She had just graduated

from the university with a degree in psychology when make-up artistry found her. Hear her, “I

had no idea I was going to end up in this field, in fact I didn’t buy my first foundation until after

college”. However, once she got into to the craft and realized how much passion she had for it,

she stayed true to its path, putting in as much determination and hard work as was needed, even

in the face of oppositions, and is today beginning to see the rewards of her perseverance.

When asked what the source of her inspiration was, Meko’s reply was “the need to learn”. It

doesn’t matter that she’s been doing this for seven years and has gained significant experience

working for big brands. If there’s anything this job has taught her, it’s the fact that there’s always

so much more to know and learn. Meko has a very diverse clientele and works with people of

varying skin types but this is not a challenge for her as she tends to utilize the uniqueness of

every customer to achieve a presentation that can only be tagged as distinctly alluring.

Although originally from Nashville, she spends most of her time shuttling between there and

Atlanta for work purposes. “I’m always on the interstate, but it’s all good because I get to meet a

lot of interesting people. I’m doing what I love and having fun at it too”. Meko is in the process

of relocating to Atlanta and on what’s next for her, she says work, work and more work.

Indie Ville TV #95 Interview with Katrice Donaldson from Everyday People

Written by Alexis Chateau

Founded in 2011 by Katrice Donaldson and Wendell Bigsby-Church, Everyday People has

powered its way through Nashville and the greater Southern and Eastern coast regions,

spreading good times, great music, and positive vibes.

“The furthest we’ve travelled so far is to New York. We drove fourteen hours. You really get

to know each other then, so you better like each other for a road trip that long!” Katrice

jokes.

In truth, the band shares a strong family bond – inclusive of all the ups and downs that

come with family life. The band counts this bond as one of the reasons their audience loves

their show, and keeps coming back. Add to this the fact that Wendell is the son of none

other than the legendary Jimmy Church, and there’s no wonder word of the Nashville-

based band spread all the way up north.

Katrice met Wendell while singing together at church. After landing a gig singing backup

for Clarence Dobbins, Wendell then asked Katrice to join him. The two later founded

Everyday People together and soon brought on Dobbins’ drummer, to play with the band

and help find other people to join them.

“From 2011 until now, we’ve changed out a few people,” Katrice admits. “But I think now

we have the core players in place.”

While the players have changed, Everyday People’s overall sound has remained fairly

consistent while covering a wide range. The band blends Wendell’s soulful vocals with

Katrice’s sometimes gentle and sometimes fierce range of singing. Their lineup includes

reggae, country, gospel, rhythm and blues, and old school soul.

“We try to touch everybody,” Katrice says. “We hope when people walk away from our

shows, they like at least one song.” While the band would rather not be boxed into any one

genre or sound, Katrice adds, “We all love the Motown sound, and R&B… I was raised by my

grandparents so there lays my love for old school music.”

This love for the oldies likely led Katrice along the path that took her to meet and work

alongside Kirk Franklin, while singing with a choir. “He said great things about the group –

very nice individual,” she gushes. “It was great to meet him – and the others we’ve met.

They’ve all been loving, open and unapproachable.”

Those “others” have included many other big names in the music industry that Wendell

opened up for over the years, like Arethra Franklin, James Brown, and Lil Richard.

But no matter where they play, and who they play with, Everyday People has fun on stage

and transfers that energy to the crowd. Sometimes the crowd has a little too much fun in

fact, as Katrice recalls not one but two incidents of fans doused in drinks by excited

listeners on the floor above.

“Sometimes the fans get a little drunk,” she laughs. “We’ve had some dance on the tables.

We are an audience-participation band, so we often have audience members come up and

dance with us, too.”

The band also plays more low-key shows at classy bars and weddings. They view music as

healing, and love to travel and bring that positive message with them.

“As Wendell says, when you come to ours shows we want you to stay in the moment. Don’t

worry about yesterday or today. We want you to have a good time and enjoy your time

with us,” Katrice tells us.

Check out the band’s website and Facebook page to see what they’ve been up to or to hire

them for your next event

Indie Ville TV #94 Eyes of Elijah

Written by Eloisa Guynn

Brooklyn native Elijah Rodney, recipient of Indie Ville TV’s “Photographer of the Year” award,

found his voice in the world through portrait photography. Influenced by fashion and urban style,

Elijah is a visual storyteller, drawing you in with a common sight, but photographed through his

eyes and with his intrigue. His favorite part about being behind the camera is exercising creative

control in the story of the shot.

Elijah remembers being at family gatherings at a young age and always being tasked with taking

the family photos. His interest continued to grow throughout high school as he was able to take

some beginner photography classes. On his 19 th birthday, his family surprised him with a

professional DSLR camera along with several lenses and accessories. He excitedly admits to

watching “endless amounts of YouTube tutorials” on how to use his new camera in the weeks

following his birthday. He also describes spending insane amounts of time shooting his

girlfriend, Ciarra Smith, with his new DSLR camera.

After shooting professionally for past several years, Elijah couldn’t imagine doing anything else

with his life. He says he’s always known that his career would be in the creative realm. He

currently attends the Art Institute of Nashville and works with his mentor, Michael Gomez

(Westlight Studios in Franklin, TN), whom he met through an internship opportunity.

Elijah dedicates all of his work to his daughter Chandler and his cousin/apprentice Javante. He

gives many thanks to his girlfriend, Ciarra Smith, and his friends, Lamont “Eljayy” Holder and

Donte Smith, for pushing him to work harder and for giving him their support. He wants to

remind people that “it doesn’t matter where you are, don’t ever give up - keep your head up and

keep pushing.”

Connect with Elijah on his website www.eyesofelijah.com or follow him on Instagram

(@simbalic).

Indie Ville TV # 93 Toran Turan-Changing the Face of Fashion

Written by K.L. Graham                                  

                                                                   

Toran (pronounced Too-Ran) Turan is Nashville’s new favorite model. Rockin’ runways and photo shoots alike, just by being himself, he’s helping to change the face of the Nashville fashion scene.

I asked Toran some of the challenges of being a male model and his reply was eye opening. “Well, like, you only see female casting calls normally so I created my brand to be a unisex model. I can wear guy clothes or girl’s clothes.

He then told the story of how “I went to a female only pinup shoot and Kevin got to me and I was the

only guy there.” Toran says that “…being a unisex model is a great opportunity for me. I can do anything in any form for fashion.”

For Toran, fashion in itself is a form of freedom.

“The only way I chose to model was because I needed a gateway to get out of my anxiety. “ Turan has done lots of charity fashion events including Ribbons to Romance charity fashion how, Beauty and Brains and MTSU Sazoir Faire. “I wasn’t nervous anymore. I don’t do it for fun, I do it for my inner sense, as a human being.”

“I love giving back to my community. I love to work with Nossi. One of their pictures might go viral.

There are great opportunities for the both of us (the students as well) and I just love giving back.”

Toran’s beauty in his face, body, and amazingly put together outfits is apparent, but it’s in soft almost

Southern Preacher voice, and his confidence in his hard work that makes him most endearing. Toran’s

humble spirit only enhances his outward faboulousness.

“I grew up the black-sheep. I felt like the ugly duckling. If you put ‘heart work,’ not hard work but ‘heart work.’ That’s a sign from God you can do your things. I do it for the kids. They can do anything they put their ‘heart work’ into. I’m just grateful ,I’m grateful.”

Toran doesn’t brag about trying to make a huge change in the world or even in the fashion scene, he just lives his truth in a way that inspires no matter what lenses you look too.

Even his own clothes and looks are put together with his own brand that he has designed and created

himself. Named “DeNovo” he says it means “A new beginning again” kinda like a phoenix as far as

clothes. Goodwill jeans to a crop top, a pencil skirt. Taking those things and revamping them. Earth

friendly things.”

Not only does he scour Goodwill for finds and earth friendly creations, Toran’s DIY spirit also has

launched his own website: www.toranunlimited.com

He auditioned for America’s Next Top Model Recently. “I auditioned and I drove all the way to

Montgomery Alabama in the pouring rain. MY mama was a nervous wreck. I didn’t make cycle 21 but I'm-ma try again. I just have to dust myself off and try it again.”

“My audition tape, I played 3 parts of myself.”

Toran is not only at home with who he is, but as a born and raised Nashvillian he’s quite at home in the Nashville fashion scene. On where fashion in Nashville is going he says:

“I feel like big things are about to happen. Nashville is finally getting recognized here. I’ve seen the

changes. We’re going to be like a metropolitan soon. I’m from Nashville born and raised. I’m trying to

represent Nashville to the best of my ability…I’m a jack of all trades when it comes to the fashion

scene.”

Toran hasn’t always felt so at home though, he says “I grew up being pushed away” and he took the

time to thank Indieville “I just want to thank you for taking out the time. I just want you to know that I’m just grateful.”

So are we Toran, so are we.

To see more of Toran’s amazing photos and keep up with what he’s doing check him out at

www.toranunlimitated.com.

Indie Ville TV #92 Ted Fox Bringing Life back to Bluegrass and Folk Music

Written by K.L. Graham                                      

Ted Fox nods to Bob Dylan and Joan Baez as his major influences. He considers his music to represent the “landscape of American music” with a twinge of educated sadness.

Originally from Nashville and educated at Belmont University, Ted C. Fox “combines the sounds of dark bluegrass and the ether and epic guitars of post rock.”

Listening to other country, bluegrass, Americana greats like Hank Williams Jr. and Bill Monroe Ted began listening to as many old versions of country covers and performing them.

Fox’s favorite story is about Bill Monroe, the singer and guitar play who is reknowned as “The

Grandfather of American Music.”

During the great folk revival of the 1960’s and 70’s Monroe’s tunes were blaring on record players

everywhere, but he had no idea his level of fame so many years after his early recordings.

If you looked into a crystal ball, perhaps that is where Ted’s own career (like Monroe before him) is

going near-silent fame and amazing finger pickin’ technique.

Fox’s new album “A Gospel of Dirt” took four years to make and is set to release June 24th along with a release party and new music video very soon.

He just released the very sad and low melodic tune “Maiden” out on his facebook page and website.
The song is reminiscent of old country westerns, it’s not a stretch to think one day it’ll be on the
soundtrack to a great new age spaghetti western (I’m looking at you Tarentino.)

Fox also has a few shows coming up that he is “very excited about.”

Fox juggles a day job, making music, and pouring into music history, (something he has done since

college) for musical inspiration and from his angst of starting out rebelling against popular country music to falling for the sweet melodies of bluegrass, folk and Americana.

As we follow Fox and his CD release, we may just be on the verge of one very foxy folk revival of our own.

You can follow Ted on instagram @tedcfoxmusic and www.facebook.com/TedCFox.

Indie Ville TV #91 Bob Welch The man behind the lenses

Written by Curtis

How were you introduced to photography?

I was introduced to photography at a very early age. When I was 6 years old, my father at the time was a professional photographer. Shooting for Vanderbilt University sports department and the Nashville Banner sports page. I at times would go to the Vanderbilt stadium with him on team shoots and stand by his side while he did his thing. The most important memory of that time was that my father had his own darkroom in the basement of the house. He developed and processed his own film and processed his own images. I got to help develop the prints by swashing the tubs with the developer wash, then dry and then view.

I wasn’t taught the technical parts of photography (shutter speeds, aperture and film speeds) until my teens; learning from him and photography classes in high school.

Do you have your own studio?

I do not have a commercial studio. I do have studio space available to me in the office building I manage and maintain in downtown Nashville.

What  brand cameras do you use for your shoots?

Proud Nikon digital shooter. Nikon 35mm film and Mamiya 120mm film.

What type and style of shoots do you provide for your clients?

I try and offer my talent several options of shoots. I do lean more towards a grittier darker style do to the genre of music I shoot. Anything the talent wants can be done, with time.

Is their a memorable PR more recent shoot you have done that was very fun and exciting?

I would honestly have to say that all my shoots are fun and exciting to me. Each one brings on new challenges and excitement.

What's the best locations in Nashville to take images?

Best locations, other than old buildings, barns or warehouses would be any location. Finding great locations for any photographers can be a daunting task.

How does it feel to be nominated for an award with us?

Bitter sweet for me. I have never been the person that likes the center spotlight or main focus to be directed to. I am and always have been a very shy person. But I am so honored that people like and appreciate what I do or have done and have decided to thank me for it.

When preparing for a shoot, what advice do you give your clients?

Well, I wish I could tell them not to be nervous and relax, but, the best advice I give (for my genre) is to have a few ideas of poses that they like, something we could recreate or build off of. Sometimes if not most, we come up with our own creation during that process.



How can one find you online to inquire about your work?
https://www.facebook.com/bobwelchphotography/