Indie Ville TV #87 The Creator of Isabel S-k: Isabel Simpson-Kirsch

Written by Curtis Gardner
                                                                             
How did you begin your fashion design career? I've always wanted to be a designer since I was a kid. I've been drawing and sketching clothes and outfits since I can remember. I went to college for fashion design in NYC at Parsons School of Design. My senior year, I designed a collection that became wildly successful and upon graduation, I had a brand.

What do you look for when creating your designs? I try to create clothing that is stylish, comfortable and flattering. My customer is someone who's look demands attention and is a trend setter, but in a low key, unique way. I look for inspiration in everything! And often find it in music and researching various subcultures.

How do you go about presenting your designs to the fashion world? I create collections. I'm about to release my third this April. These collections release on various press sites, and my site as well.

Has your work been in any fashion shows or competitions? Yes! My first collection was in the Parsons Senior Thesis show presentation, my second collection debuted at Nashville Fashion Week, and my new collection will be a part of the inaugural Nashville event Fashion Art Mecca this April.

Whats the highest praise or recognition you have received thus far? I've had write ups on tons of acclaimed sites, like Complex, Vice, NY Times etc...which has been really exciting for me! Also, Katy Perry owns and has worn one of my dresses, which is pretty awesome!

How does it feel  to be nominated for an indieville tv award? I'm so thrilled and honored to be nominated! It's amazing to see designers here in Nashville get recognition! Big thanks to indieville tv.

 Have you worked with any of the other nominees? I haven't yet but I sincerely hope to in the future!

Where do you see your career going in the next 3-5 years? I plan on continuing to create and sell collections, growing my brand over time! I would like to expand ISABEL SK to a full lifestyle brand in the future and open a gallery shop.

How can the fashion world and beyond find you online and inquire more about your designs? www.isabelsk.com is my website! Find me on instagram @isabel.sk

What else would you like to share with the audience? Thanks for this opportunity!

Isabel Simpson-Kirsch

Head Designer/Creative Director: Isabel SK

615.337.8935

www.isabelsk.com 

Indie Ville TV #86 The Exquisite MUA Hayley Balck

Written by Curtis Gardner
                                                                                   

I became a makeup artist while finding out how I could pursue a way to become a special effects artist. I always had a love for hands on art. I always dreamed it was something out of my reach until I finally just took a chance on chasing my dreams. I attended the Academy of Makeup Arts last year in Nashville and found out that I not only could have my dream but I could create art and do something new and exciting each day.

Professionally I have studied under Emmy award winning Ben Rhittenhouse and Celebrity Photographer Sebastian Smith through AMUA. Since then I have worked with numerous local photographers and model. I have worked a Notable Nashville Fashion show in the past year. I just worked Fashion Week Alabama and their Avant Garde  Fashion Show. I got to meet America`s Next Top Model Cycle 19 Contestant Model Victoria Henley. I did makeup for the Mayor of Summerdale Alabama Daughter Natalie Wilson for a DIY Network Television appearance, which was a very cool experience. I do charity work for Heels for Combat Boot and also for The Fort Campbell Wives club. These organizations raise money for many different charities. Most recently I had work with model Teresa Gill and photographer Mike Flippen published in My Belleza INC Magazine. It was a 2 page spread and interview which was very exciting for us all. 

My business opportunities grow with the different places this career can take you. One day someone might want bridal and prom then the next day it takes you to television or a special effects creature. I can have the opportunity to create something beautiful, scary, dark, or artistic and to me that helps my business grow.

I am extremely excited about being nominated although I have no clue how it happened. I was in utter shock and googled it to see if it was real. Then of course I cried because I was just amazed by how cool of a blessing this was. It has made me push myself, business and artist wise and I am beyond thankful to have been 1 of 5 women nominated. I have worked with fellow nominee Drew Seeley. We attend class together at AMUA and worked a Noteable Nashville fashion show together. 

My dream would to be to work on American Horror Stories or Game of Thrones. I would love to do beauty makeup, wounds, gore, monsters, the more the merrier. That would be the dream job to me, getting to create that kind of art that so much of the world are fans of and sit at home and watch each week. Definitely something like that.

My website is www.hayleybalck.com , That is my online business site. My instagram is @hayleybalckmakeup and my facebook page is Hayley Balck Makeup Artist.

Indie Ville TV #85 Nashville Rock Star Bree

Written by  Curtis Gardner

                                                               

How long have you been doing music?
My late Mother, who died when I was six, used to joke that she had me singing Gospel when I still in the womb. Seriously, it’s been for as long as I can remember. I was classically trained on piano when I was eight and picked up the guitar when I was fourteen.

What's the best thing about performing live in front of an audience?
Nothing is more important. It’s the true acid test for any artist. I won’t consider recording a song I’ve written until I’ve performed it in front of people.

Has Nashville and beyond responded well towards your music?
Nashville, particularly East Nashville, has been fantastic. My band is kind of a weird duck. We’re a three piece, late 60s/early 70s British influenced Rock n Roll band with an upright bassist. Most people will see the upright bass and say, “Rockabilly, right?”  Nope.  Mayrk’s biggest influence is Motown great James Jamerson.  They see me playing a Gibson Flying V and say, “Heavy Metal shredder, right?”  Nope. My guitar influences are Keith Richards, Peter Townshend and Mick Ronson.  But here in Nashville they embrace all musical genres and mixtures without question. Nashville truly is Music City.

What's the biggest show that you have done thus far?
The Nashville Mardi Gras show in downtown Nashville in 2014. There were 30-35,000 there. Needless to say it was a rush!

You just came back from a trip to London? Was that your first time going? How did they respond to your music?
My first time in London was last September. I fell in love with the UK and we now have a fantastic team in London promoting us. The British grasp my music very quickly. It may be because most of my musical influences are British. The first single, Damn, I’m Being Me Again, from our upcoming album New Skin is now getting play on over 40 stations. We return to London in late May for live shows.

Your video I'm The Boss is nominated for an Indieville TV award for best music video? How does it feel to get recognized for your work?
It feels wonderful! I feel so honored. Thank you

I watched the video earlier. A lot was going on in the video. How did you decide on the concept for it?
LOL Yeah, it was a crazy night. We shot I’m The Boss at the Joy Mansion in East Nashville in October 2013. I simply wanted the video to reflect my life in East Nashville at the time hanging out with friends and playing at house parties. A night to remember!

What's next for Bree? Anymore shows coming soon?
We’re getting a killer reaction in the UK and are focusing on our return there in late May.  However, we are long overdue for a show here in Nashville. Our last was when we headlined Halloween at The Basement because we’ve been busy recording our album with Justin Cortelyou.

How can one find you on social media?
Facebook.com/breemusic
Twitter.com/breesongs
Instagram.com/breesongs
Snapchat: breezyinyoface

Indie Ville TV #84 Dillon Arnold-Nominated for Male Model of the Year

Written by -K.L. Graham

                                                              

In the world of the Instagram model, @heyyarrnold Dillon Arnold shines. 

 “I grew up around cameras, I was a photographer and I still am. I have a whole friend group of 

photographers. In my early teenage years I ended up in front of the camera. I’ve enjoyed seeing my 

growth in modeling and photography and in my friend’s.”

And although Dillon has been in the modeling game for about four years, he says: “It’s still something I feel like I’m a beginner at.”

No beginner at social media, Dillon wows with his chiseled body, gorgeous fellow female models, beach scenes and coffee shots. 

It’s no wonder he feels so at home on the beach, and in front of the camera. When he’s off duty 

modeling, he is on duty as a lifeguard.

Balancing his life on the gram, on the run way, and on the beach includes working with Rodan & Fields (“It’s an awesome organization to be a part of”), training new lifeguards, and working as a background actor on the set of ABC’s Nashville. 

“I really love the style in Nashville. There’s not just one style. You can be a hipster… dress really urban. You can be anybody around here and fit in, I really like that. It’s a big variety and you’re not centered in on one style.”

Dillon describes his style as “Laid back, outdoorsy, and urban.”

“I love like dressing up, but I hate dressing up. I hate dressing up in like a tuxedo where I feel stuffy in, but I hate bumming it too.” Arnold goes on about the Tuxedo vs. athletic short battle and says he finds freedom in a more urban style wardrobe. “There are a lot of ways you can mix match. I love the vibe of it and the feel of it, and the different kinds of events you can wear it to.

Arnold gives a nod to his favorite menswear designer Calvin Klein but says “My style kinda varies, I’m not set on one thing.”

He is set on landing a modeling agent this year, so whether you bump into him by the pool or at scouring for menswear finds at Urban Outfitters, be ready for his million dollar style.  

“I’m interested in so many things. If I were to generalize all of my interests, it’d have to be something in the entertainment industry.”

To see more of Dillon’s beachy style, just check out his Instagram page @heeyarrnold.   For booking info you can catch his wave at heeyarrnold@gmail.com.

Indie Ville TV #83 Riding into the “Horizon Line” with Elliot Collett of Future Thieves

Written by K .L Graham

Maybe you’ve heard of Future Thieves, (they are kind of a big deal here in Nashville) or maybe you haven’t.   But it’s clear the Nashville based rockers (Lead singer Elliot Collett, lead guitarist Austin McCool, bassist Nick Goss, and drummer Gianni Gibson)are on the journey of their lives.

 From last year’s Bonnaroo to this year’s SXSW, it’s clear the alt rockers are going places.

I got to speak with Elliot Collett, lead singer of Future Thieves today while he was en route to SXSW.

A newbie to SXSW Elliot says “I am very excited, I’ve not even been to it before, so it’s really sweet.”

“Future Thieves” as a whole, has this rock n’ roll antique sort of glimmer as shown in NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series, (google “Just Sayin” NPR) but you can also hear they are full of youth and firsts whether it is through their song “Soon” or the excitement of a couple of young guys going to SXSW for the very first time.

Last year they played the mecca of music festivals: Bonnaroo.  “That was sweet it was really surreal 

being there. There were a few hundred people there where we were playing and more came. We got to camp out and all of our friends came down. We just had a blast and saw so much music…the whole thing was very very cool.”

And speaking of temperature, Future Thieves will be heating things up all over Texas this week. “All the shows are sort of based by SXSW. We figured we’d go and stay for a week,” Elliot explains.  Elliot and the rest of the guys will also be playing at a charity event for MS (multiple sclerosis) that is hosted by one of Nick’s friends, and they are even doing a show at Gianni’s uncle’s farm. (Go ahead, re-read that sentence.)

With a heart for rock n’ roll, charity, and family the well millinered band is ready for Texas, and all the stops along the way.  

“After that, we’re out and about in North Carolina and going up the East Coast.”

For Elliot, he says (with a large amount of equal parts joy and coyness) the best part of touring is “Just, I guess the loose freeness of it instead of being in your schedule.  You’re out and about and kind of doing your own thing.   Waking up different places and being with a bunch of dudes in a van is pretty fun.  There’s not much brain power, it’s just kind of run and gun.”

When they get to run onstage, according to Elliot, there’s a favorite song in their line up: “Just Sayin.”  “It’s super fun live, great, rowdy kind of song.”

Future Thieves again teeters between rowdy and laid back.  Elliot says that on the tour bus, “We cut up, we read…Right now it’s pretty amped up because we’re super excited to play out of Nashville, but for the most part it’s very laid back.”

When asked if Future Thieves has “Band Aids” Eliot says “No. There’s definitely been some 

towns…where there’s been girls…” but he swears he doesn’t know what that even means.

There’s that shy coyness again.

With songs like “Rosie,” “Nightmares,” and “Horizon Line” Future Thieves are stealing our hearts, 

whether we are clamoring for autographs after the show or not.  

Of the band name Elliot says “…It kind of came out of nowhere. We thought it’d be kinda catchy. People remember it. It shows up well on Google.”

Elliot’s sense of humor and style is evident with every sentence, and you could hear the guys, practicing and chatting in the background, like musical pirates aboard a great ship: ready for adventure, the joy of the journey in all of their jokes and hijinks. 

Not only do the fellas have their latest record “Horizon Line” up and touring, the band should have a 

new record come 2017. 

But for now, it’s all about “Horizon Line.”  

“We’re super proud of the one that we have and we hope people go online and check it out.”

So, hurry up and check out the guys new music at www.futurethievesmusic.com. You can also visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/futurethieves  for tour updates and check them out on Instagram @futuretheivesmusic and twitter @future_thieves.

And remember, these guys are going places. Check them out in a city near you.

Indie Ville TV #82 Good Vibes from Katie Dunlap

Written by Patricia Faulkner



                                                                          Katie Dunlap is an evolving pop artist with multiple influences from every angle. Here in this excerpt from daily life she explains her free-flowing candidness of writing her own music and how she continues to to inspires other around her.

Patricia: What influences or combinations of genres inspire your sound for “Ghost Town”? I listened to it on Soundcloud and it is not what I expected at all! It is very different from your previous single, “Numb”, which has more of a solid country sound.


Katie: When I wrote "Ghost Town" with my best friend in a high school band practice room, I didn't have a concrete idea of how it was going to turn out in the studio. When I released "Numb," I had absolutely no clue I was going to change my sound to pop. For the longest time, I wanted to be the next Miranda Lambert or Martina McBride. Right now, I'm at this point in my career and life, where nothing is set is stone. My music changes with the tides. I have the ability and freedom to explore different sounds and genres without a record label or array of people telling me it's wrong. That's why I love being an independent artist. I truly feel like I'm my own person, and if you know me, you know I gotta be a strong independent woman.


Patricia: Who are some prominent country artists that you absolutely love?

Katie: Living in Nashville as a pop artist, it seems no matter how hard you or your music tries to stray from country music, people will naturally always try to associate you with it. If I'm being honest, the country music I grew up loving I don't really hear on the radio anymore. With that being said, a few artists such as Cam, Chris Stapleton, and even a few artists/songs on the TV show Nashville I find have really re-embedded in us the purity, honesty and love country music is all about.



Patricia: Do you record and produce your own music or have a team of people helping you?

Katie: I'm really fortunate to have decided to work with Chris Love as my producer when I was getting ready to graduate from high school. I've worked with him for a little over a year now, but I've known him a lot longer than that. When I was a freshman in high school, he was solely my drum line teacher at Sam Ash. Now, Chris produces for a living and has become very successful. I don't know what I would have done with my songs if I didn't have a producer by my side. I had the vision but I needed the expertise. It's great because every time I'm in the studio, I get to watch Chris work with ProTools and how he handles the sound equipment. It's made me much more interested in the production aspect of creating a song. I hope that one day, I can produce my own record and be able to credit Chris on an even bigger scale.


Patricia: Did you have classical training in vocals or instruments?

Katie: I've taken lessons in virtually anything you can think of. I've done vocal lessons, piano lessons, drum lessons, drum line lessons, guitar lessons, violin lessons, etc. A lot of what I know I discovered on YouTube. YouTube is a wonderful tool for improving your musical skills. But, I credit most of what I know to a woman named Pam Ward. She taught me not just how to play piano well. She taught me how to play it right in a performance setting. She gave me vocal tips and exercises. She's an artist and therefore helped to mold me into my own artist.


Patricia: What vibes can we expect to hear in your future music?

Katie: I'm all about the vibes. A lot of my music on my EP that I'm releasing soon is music that you're free to dance to, do homework to, chill to, cry to, you name it. As far as music that extends beyond my EP, I can't say. I write all the time, and each song is unique and inspired. You'll never hear the same song twice from this girl.


Patricia: Do you plan on writing a full length album sometime in the future? If so, can you tell us any details while we wait?!

Katie: A lot of artists write a full length album in the span of a year or two. Because I've never released an album before, I've got songs that I've technically put on the "back-burner" that I would want on that full length album. The only form of an album that I'm releasing soon is my debut EP. It's called Hear Me Out. Out of the 5 songs that will be on it, only 2 of them I wrote before starting the recording process, which means that the other three no one but close friends and family have heard. And yes, it's pop.


Patricia: Do you have a musical family that have supported you, or any musicians that you have paid attention to from an early age that you can say encouraged you to move forward and start writing your own songs?

Katie: If you mean my musically-inclined family, that does not technically exist! My mom is a marketing manager at a major shipping company, and my dad is a retired Navy veteran. Nonetheless, they've fully backed me on my music since day one and for that, I'm truly grateful. My parents exposed me to a variety of artists that have inspired me to pursue my own musical career. People like Freddie Mercury from Queen, Stevie Nicks, Damien Rice, The Dixie Chicks, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kelly Clarkson, Eminem and JoJo have all increased my adoration for music, songwriting and the art of performance. Taylor Swift was the one who got me to even pick up a guitar and write. I figured, Taylor Swift makes it look easy. I can do it too. And so I did.

Patricia: Tell me a little bit about your general background and how the music world has affected you and pulled you in.

Katie: "Pulled in" is an understatement. I was drug in against my will, blindfolded and handcuffed. Music is the only good form of abduction that exists. I've always loved playing music ever since my granny let my brother Dylan and I bang on pots and pans in her living room as kids. I found it to be a way of letting my inner passion out in a positive outlet. From then on, I got more involved in chorus and theater. It was the first time I ever tried at anything. I sometimes got solos or leads, but then I had teachers who said I wasn't good enough or as good as some of my classmates. But I believed in myself, so that's all that mattered. Throughout my childhood, all I did was move from state to state, at first because of my dad being in the Navy and then because of my mom's job. A lot of the time I was in my room, alone playing with Barbies or writing short stories, because I clearly had a lot to say as a child. I got a guitar for Christmas when I was 13. I started writing songs that sounded exactly like Taylor Swift songs. Then, they gradually became a bit more edgy in lyrics and melody. That turned into me defining myself as a pop artist and I haven't looked back.

Patricia: If you don’t mind, please name a few quotes in either songs or literature that have rang true to you and may help others that are also trying to make it as an independent artist.
Katie: I don't have many, but one quote in particular that I have debated on getting a tattoo of or not is a Sleeping At Last quote from his song "Saturn." "How rare and beautiful it is to even exist." As a teenager, I've definitely found myself swimming in the deep end of the depression pool. But when I found that song and heard that line, I was reminded of my purpose and that is to make people happy with music.
One song I've been profusely listening to lately is Sia's "Bird Set Free." In the chorus she roars "I don't care if I sing off key. I find myself in my melodies." That's truly how I feel as a singer. I don't sing to please anyone but myself. Songwriting is like a message and singing is the bird that carries it off to a better place.

Patricia: What is a guilty listening pleasure for you?

Katie: I don't feel guilty listening to anyone or anything. I think every genre or musician is special in their own way and should be treated as such. But, with the social stigma society has placed on my beloved Nickelback, I'd have to say they're my #1 guilty pleasure. I sometimes listen to Chad Kroeger's voice just to take me back to better days. I think they're an amazing rockin' band and I don't care what anyone says. Nickelback rules.

Patricia: Do you perform in public?

Katie: Absolutely! I love performing. My roots are in performing with chorus, theater and school talent shows. Now, I like to play songwriter's nights and any showcase I can be apart of. More often that not, you'll find me performing in front of the mirror. I'm always looking for ways to improve upon my performance skills. I used to be terrified to stand in front of people. I still get nervous, but now I find I'm more unapologetic with those nerves. I just put my heart out on the line and hope there's applause at the end. So far, so good.

Patricia: How do you balance your musicality with your other possible obligations?

Katie: My musicality will never change. I will always be involved in music. But, it is true that sometimes life gets in the way. It can prevent me from performing or cowriting or going to the studio. I have to deal with or focus on that one priority momentarily, but I can always find time to write a song about it though!

Patricia: What do you hope others find in your music?

Katie: I want people to get lost for a minute in my music. I want people to experience what I experienced as a little girl, growing up and getting through each move with a pair of headphones and some tunes. My music is a reflection of who I am. Cut out the lip ring, the colored hair, the intense and dry sarcasm. Want to know me? Listen to my music. I don't expect everyone or really anyone to like it, but I hope they find that my soul resides in it. I would never speak these words in public if it wasn't for song.
Katie Dunlap and her music can be appreciated through the following:
http://www.katiedunlapmusic.com/
https://soundcloud.com/katie_dunlap
https://www.facebook.com/kathryn.g.dunlap
https://twitter.com/katiedunlap_
https://www.instagram.com/katiedunlapmusic/

Indie Ville TV #81 The Remarkable Jai Love

Written by Curtis Gardener 

                                                   

What attracted you to modeling?

My family and friends attracted me to modeling. Someone would always 

compliment me on how great of shape I'm in or would always ask what 

could they do to have a body like mine, I just figured why not put what God 

gave me to use. People doubted I could play basketball and model. I love 

to prove people wrong. 

How long has this been a career path for you?

I started to finally take modeling serious in November on 2015. 

If any,who were your influences?

The main person that influenced me was my friend Ariana Polk who runs 

track at Lincoln University PA. It was October 2013, when everyone use to 

think I was joking about modeling. Ariana was the only one that took me 

serious and pushed me to start. Once I started she made sure I didn't quit, 

no matter the circumstances and I appreciate her for that motivation 2 

almost 3 years ago. 

What has been your proudest/favorite moment thus far?

My proudest moment was my first photo shoot. I was so nervous and 

scared, that my mind was all over the place. After the shoot was over, I 

was so excited and proud of myself that I was thinking about texting my 

photographer that same night asking for my photos the next morning. 

That's how excited I was. Lol. Now I've learned that patience is the key to 

success.

What are both the easiest and hardest things about modeling?

Easiest thing about modeling is picking out the outfits. I love fashion and 

love to dress up my friends like they are Barbie Dolls. So that's the easy 

part. The hardest thing about modeling to me is making sure your doing 

the right poses, Making sure your facial expressions are okay, your head is 

tilt just right or your posture is perfect. 

How would you describe your style?

I will chose comfy over looking cute any-day, anytime, mainly because I 

am an athlete, but when I have to look cute I am a totally different Jai. I am 

a chill person. 

Over the past year, what was your signature moment to really have a 

stamp of approval for your modeling career?

I am still waiting on that moment. I've had nice moments but that big 

moment that everyone gets I am still waiting on. Hopefully that will be 

soon. I'm in the running for VIVA GLAM SUPERMODEL so hopefully that 

will be my big break!! 

How does it feel to be nominated for an indievillle tv award?

To be nominated for indie TV it feels great. It feels great to know that my 

work isn't going unnoticed. There are people out there that believe in me 

and believe that I can make it in the modeling world. Now that's an 

amazing feeling. 

Outside of modeling,what are your other interests or hobbies? What other 

avenues are you wanting to explore?

I am a college basketball player and I am studying business management. 

Someday I want to manage someone, whether it's sports, modeling etc. 

What advice would you give to those that aspire to be models?

Don't give up! Don't let someone tell you, your not pretty enough or you 

can't do two things at once. Stretch your goals out as FAR as you can and 

take the journey!! You are beautiful, but beauty starts within yourself. 

When you put your mind to something don't stop, yes your going to have 

moments where you want to give up, but I promise the reward at the end is 

so worth it.

How can people stay tuned to you and your work?

Social media is becoming the next cornerstone for everything. My 

Instagram, Twitter and Facebook will have everything on it. I am currently 

working on my website right now and eventually that will be done. I am 

hosting events and different functions so I'll be around. 

Twitter: @iamjailove

Instagram: @iamjailove