Indie Ville TV #15 Seraphim Ward's New Album Killing It

HOLLYWOOD HILLS, CA – After winning her high-profile legal battle last year, Seraphim Ward has been able to finally focus on her true passion… music. In June of 2014, on Friday the 13th, Seraphim finally released her highly-anticipated album, “Time Heals All Wounds”. The lead single, "What's the Color of Love (Beautiful Creature)" was the first to be released and fans have been raving of all the raw intensity and passion that Seraphim delivered in the songs intense lyrics.

Ward is known throughout Hollywood for her poetic lyrics, hard-rock edge, and colorful style. Born of Creole heritage and raised in the Southeast, Seraphim struggled as a child to overcome a stutter that, for a time, caused her to withdraw from society. She found an outlet for her rich imagination in books and she delved into literature and began composing her own music in her early teens. Her love for art, performance, and music seemed to hit a ceiling until, at age 15, Sshe made the move to Hollywood, CA. Her unique look immediately caught the eye of a talent manager who helped start her career and she booked modeling campaigns for Kraft, Foot Locker, Macy's, and J-Crew. This initial work led her to the runway as a model for high-end designers and boutiques in Beverly Hills.

While studying film, she began exploring the Los Angeles music scene and was encouraged to record her own material. Seraphim's creative dreams were fully realized with the release of her debut album, “Mute Malevolence”. Adding "actress" to her ever-growing resume, Seraphim starred as "Rachel" alongside award-winning actress Bai Ling (The Crow, Red Corner, Wild Wild West) in the 2013 feature film Speed Dragon. Two hot songs off her new album, "Rebel" and "Bad Behavior" were featured on the soundtrack. 

She is currently filming her first original feature film, Angel One Eye, for which she served as writer, cinematographer and director. Ward produces new music and music videos through her own label and production company, Sin Icon Productions. To learn more about Seraphim Ward visit www.SeraphimWard.com
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http://www.SeraphimWard.com
http://www.SinIconProductions.com
https://twitter.com/SeraphimWardOff
https://www.facebook.com/SeraphimWardCelebrity
https://www.youtube.com/user/SeraphimWardOfficial
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/Seraphim-Ward/id890076638

Indie Ville TV #14 The Busks a unique band on the rise

Written by Patrick Roberts











The Busks are a new unique band rising from Tennessee soon to make their way to the top! I had the wonderful experience of interviewing their manager, Fletcher, to get a look into what makes their band tick. The band is made up of five members, Dylan, Jacob, Justin, Wesley, and their manager, Fletcher. But their band didn’t start with all five. Here’s what Fletcher had to say:

Q- How did you come up with the band name, “The Busks?”
A- It was two members of the band, actually. “One day they were just throwing around names.” He says. “They looked at others who had become famous from playing in Nashville on the streets, which is called, “busking,” and they just thought, busks, yeah it works.”

Q- How did the band members meet?
A- Jacob and Dylan have always been best friends. They switched off playing bass and decided they could add some more musical talent; such as drums and a keyboard. Justin, Dylan’s brother in law, eventually joined in. Wesley joined in about ten months ago. “We’re all just friends.” Fletcher states.

Q- Do you write your own songs?
A- Jacob and Dillon do. Justin will write sometimes, but there is never anyone hired to do the writing. It’s all original.

Q- Have you always wanted to be in the music industry?
A- Yes. It’s always been a dream!

Q- What inspires you to play music?
A- Just being so close to Nashville and seeing all the shows. The Beatles are also a huge inspiration.

Q- Where do you hope to see your band in five years?
A- We are hoping to eventually have our own U.S. Tour. Hopefully doing more shows and becoming more popular as time goes on.

Q- How do you promote your band?
A- Through every social media we can. We have Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Before shows we use fliers and it’s mostly word of mouth too.

Q- How does music affect you?
A- “It’s a huge part of our lives, it’s fantastic! It is the cornerstone of everything we do.” He says.
Q- Who are your musical/non-musical influences? Who pushes you every day?

A- Friends and family are huge. They are always there. And again, The Beatles.
Q- What’s the best thing about being in a band?

These boys have music in their veins! The passion is there and you can tell through their music. They’re currently in Tennessee anticipating their fame, however, you can check them out on their website, www.thebusksmusic.com. Which has all their social media links! 

Indie Ville TV #13 Nashville Up and Coming Rock Goddes Asheira

Written by Omari Byrd

This week I got the chance to sit down with Asheira, an up and coming rock goddess making noise in the Nashville music scene. Blending classic rock ballads with tunes catchy enough to be heard on your local radio, let’s see what makes Asheira tick!

DA: Where are you from and how long have you been in Nashville?

ASH: I'm the product of a military family so I'm a little bit from everywhere; but I spent 10 years in Mobile, Alabama and fought my way to Nashville,Tennessee and I've been here for about 3 years now.

DA: What’s your favorite thing to do in the city and why is it your favorite thing?

ASH: Definitely music and looking for the right people to work with! I've been collectively writing and co-writing with different people, finding musicians that mesh with my style, and after 2 years of looking for the right people, the band just came together this year and here we are. We've self produced an EP album and released one single that has been getting a buzz on 102.9 The Buzz, and that single has led us to other producers and new opportunities! We're actually in talks with Mark Neill, producer of the The Black Keys Brothers album, it's unofficial as of now but we hope it pans out; it's very exciting!

DA: Wow! Very swagged out, I love the work ethic; it definitely sounds like you're working around the clock. So tell me about the band!

ASH: Well the band is made up of drummer Dustin Roberts, Wade Blair on guitar, Steven Thomas on bass, and Jeremy Brading on rhythm guitar. They're amazingly talented and like family to me.

DA: Beautiful; that's the way it's supposed to be. What artists would you say inspire you?

ASH: I like artists with their own style like Jimmy Hendrix, Jack White, and Led Zeppelin, but especially artists like Dan Fenton of Feedback Revival who inspired me and actually helped produce and co-write some of our songs; I love him. Also I love Jeff Buckley, he's one of the best vocalists ever and the only reason I say that is because his songs are more of a passionate, emotional release. He's mastered his character and that's what it's all about.

DA: I hear you with the "mastered his character" statement... you really know something about mastering a character don't you? What movie are you going to be in again?

ASH: Well yeah, I do act, and I play a lead role in the independent film "Race With The Devil" that will be coming out very soon. Be sure to check me out!
DA: Oh, I surely won't forget! Now that we know who has contributed to your sound, how exactly would you describe your sound?

ASH: I definitely have an eclectic sound of 60's, 70's, and 80's rock & roll, mixed with modernized pop elements and different pieces put together. I get No Doubt, ACDC, and The White Stripes comparisons all the time; I love it!

DA: Wow, I must say your music actually had that effect on me! I definitely caught that eclectic, No Doubt vibe when listening to your single "Riding in Cars". Now if you can describe it, what effect would you like your music to have on people?

ASH: I just want people let go of the corporateness of music and feel cool/have fun! It's no secret that you can go to a show in Nashville and see people  with their arms crossed still standing there. Why!? I want people to be themselves because nobody's perfect, and the imperfections of rock & roll are what make it rock and roll. My goal is just to make Nashville dance again.

DA: Now that's dope; I couldn't agree more on that. As Goodie Mob once said, "they don't dance no mo"! Here's a wild question, say you could work with any artist EVER... who would you work with?

ASH: It would have to be Freddie Mercury of Queen. He's one of my favorite vocalists in the world! He's just so quirky and fun, I know we'd make a high energy record.

DA: Awesome. Insert Freddie Mercury meme here! So I know you've released some songs and you definitely have a lot in the chamber, but which of your songs would you release to the people if you could only choose one?

ASH: I'd probably release our song "Do or Die". It's about letting go of everything in order to do what you love with the people you love to do it with. Life is so short, you've got to do what you love. It's such a positive song, and that's the one I would love to give to people.

DA: Yes. It is all about positivity, and empowering people to do what they need to do, and the fact that you say that now means I know you'll follow up on the mic. That's very cool. Now I have a very serious question for you... soft shell or hard shell tacos?

ASH: Soft shell, because you can have more at one time!

DA: Those are my sentiments exactly! Now Asheira, you have one chance to say something to the entire world. Go!

ASH: I would tell the world do what you love, life is short, and live it with the people you love!

DA: There we go, a cool response from a cool chick. Asheira, thanks for taking time out to tell me about yourself. Be sure to catch Asheira around town at one of her various  upcoming performances at the High Watt, Exit Inn, The End, and 5 Spot. Also check out her music, Facebook, Twitter, and everything else Asheira on www.reverbnation.com/asheira

Indie Ville TV #12 Hunter of the group Specter

Written by Emma Sturgeon


Jacksonville, Tennessee was just far enough away from the Nashville music scene to keep Hunter from being bitten by the music bug in his youth. But when Hunter was fourteen, he was introduced to Nirvana and, like so many others before him, his life forever changed. “I heard their music and haven’t been the same since.” Nirvana, along with The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and an array of other timeless artists initially sparked his interest in music. Hunter’s band, Specter, is a three piece band, including only vocals, guitar, and bass. It has a simplistic feel to it, as if to imply that the lyrics are powerful enough to counteract the lack of musical complexity. For anyone who hasn’t heard Specter’s music, he describes it as a “harmonious combination of blues, rock n roll, Smashing Pumpkins, and psychedelic. But the short answer is alternative rock, if that’s what you’re looking for.” Specter performs at venues around the Murfreesboro area, including Three Brothers. The band prefers smaller venues because of the intimate feel it seems to create for the audience. “It’s a more personal experience for us as well as the audience.” When asked whom his ideal duet would be with, Hunter answered with no hesitation. “Jack White, definitely. He’s simply a master.” Hunter has been busy with “Halo”, a new song he’s writing for the band. He says it’s “more progressive rock than our previous stuff.” They have big plans for the upcoming year, so watch out for Specter in the alternative rock scene.

Indie Ville TV #11 And The Walls of Our City Will Shake by The Colored Parade

Written By Monet Makohoniuk

This past week I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Andrew Adkins, the musical
genius behind The Colored Parade’s debut album, And The Walls of Our City Will Shake,
that dropped last week.

Listening to the album in its entirety, you get taken for a ride. The music scoops you up,
and you truly do get to be a part of the fun.

Andrew is an artist inspired by many things. This album is simply a conglomeration of
all of those things, beautifully woven together and put into music that we can now be
inspired by also. His musical influences are vast—read anything about him and you will
know that—and his visual art influences are many. I asked him a few random questions
to get an idea of who he is as an artist.

MM: What is your favorite color?
AA: Clear, because you can put anything over it.
[MM: I love that answer.]

MM: Who are your biggest inspirations?
AA: Stanley Kubrick [films/directors]; Beat movement writers Allen Ginsberg and Jack
Kerouac [books]; and artist Jean-Michel Basquiat [visual arts]. And, of course, Nashville!
Everything that is going on, all the music, all of the people. Going to singer/songwriter
nights. Experiencing and being a part of the energy that is the city of Nashville.

MM: Top three favorite movies … go!
AA: 2001 Space Odyssey, Star Wars, Rocky

MM: What inspired the music video for “Hysterically Speaking?”
AA: Everything nowadays is so obvious. The Colored Parade would want to let the song
remain mysterious and stand on its own.

[MM: Let me tell you. This video definitely stands on its own!]
{{{ http://youtu.be/gptIrvhacNU }}}

Music has always been present in Andrew’s life, and before The Colored Parade, he was
in two moderately successful bands (Mellow-Down Easy and Lions for Real), but in the
end they didn’t pull through.

There were tours, fans, Ryan Gosling’s record label, and even Warner Bros., but in the
end, nothing fully panned out for the bands. “It’s sort of like, seeing a bad picture of you
from years ago,” says Andrew. As the true artist he is, he is already on to the next, while
remaining grateful that those bands added another layer to his musical history.

The Colored Parade is Andrew’s first truly solo project. For our sake, I am glad that
the past projects didn’t fully pan out. He played most of the instrumentals on it and
produced it himself. This debut album is a compilation of Andrew’s very colorful music
background and past experiences completely shine through.

And The Walls of Our City Will Shake shakes you down and brings you up. It takes you
on a ride that is mellow and invigorating. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the album as
much as I enjoyed talking to Andrew.

Check out his album on iTunes!

Indie Ville TV #10 Jet Black Orchid

Written By Emma Sturgeon

A California native and a lover of rock, Gunnar Brittany and his two brothers, Rio and
Jaggar, formed Jet Black Orchid in 2007. Their father, an avid guitar and piano player,
initially peaked the boys’ interest in music. When they decided to form a band later on,
the genre came naturally.

“We grew up listening to classic rock,” says Gunnar. “We would cover Led Zeppelin,
The Beatles and other bands of that genre, so when we decided to write our own stuff, it
just came organically.”

Jet Black Orchid is on the move these days. They are currently residing in Louisville,
Ky., but are notoriously moving around, going wherever their music takes them. The
band’s ultimate goal is to keep classic rock alive, as opposed to the over-produced,
digitized music that seems to be everywhere these days. The brothers have spent the
last couple of months in the studio. “In our new stuff, we experiment with different
sounds, but we don’t stray from our genre,” says Gunnar. “It’s the same band.” Jet Black
Orchid is expected to release their new album in the very near future. For updates, visit
jetblackorchid.com.

Indie Ville TV # 9 Queen City Heist

Written by By Emma Sturgeon

Two years ago, Skye Mangrum was part of a band called Blue Sky Alert, but the
drummer’s sudden wedding engagement initiated a transformation. The band got a new
drummer, a new name, and thus Queen City Heist was born. Their music can be loosely
classified as soul rock. “Our music is like if Paramore, Muse and Santana all had a baby,”
says Skye.

Skye’s exposure to rock came early. The founder of the band was born in Panama City
in the middle of a political riot. “My mother was in labor, and the rioters were literally
rocking the ambulance,” she says. “We had to be airlifted to the hospital.” Protesters
were blasting classic rock in the streets.

The band has spent many tedious hours in the studio the past few months, but Skye says
sit’s been worth it. “Our new stuff is way better than our older tracks,” she says. Queen
City Heist is expected to drop three new tracks in the next couple of months.