Indie Ville TV #124 Tramaine Arte’mis – Nominated R&B EP of the year

Written by Lillian Rhine

How long have you been in the music industry?     

The Industry has always surrounded me; but I would say I started making my mark about six years, rather I was hosting my own Jazz show or singing, I just did it!

What was the inspiration behind your R&B project?

I like to think of my project as Contemporary and Smooth Jazz with a hint of R&B. The inspiration comes from Love and the divine connection that comes with it when it’s authentic. 

What is the most challenging thing about being an artist?

The most challenging thing for me is being too hard on myself, I have to step back sometimes and breathe and remember that perfectionism leaves no room for growth.

If you could create music with any other singers/musicians, who would you choose and why?

Although there are so many greats to choose from, I would have to say first off Quincy Jones, Michael

McDonald, Jazz Pianist & Producer Marcus Johnson; and Female Vocal Extraordinariness: Connie Florence, Diane Reeves, and Rachelle Ferrell. They are all rich in talent and each has qualities and uniqueness that I admire and learn from.

What is your process or quirks when you create music?

My process I would say is tapping into real issues of life and allowing the music to happen...Quirks? Cannot really think of any quirks, unless you count occasional writer’s block lol

What makes you tick?

When I have accomplished a goal and come to a true understanding of my true inner potential on what I am working on.

Tell us about your best performance?

My best performance was my CD release party for “Connected” The energy in the room was beautiful! Having family and friends locally and out of town definitely drove me to a higher place in my performance and it was a magical night of music.

Do you have any advice for upcoming artists?

Be Authentic and Attitude is everything. Moreover, keeping a positive spirit through your artistic journey will help you stay focused though the ups and the downs.

Choose one of the following topics and give a “top five”: food, cities, bands, movies, games

Food: Some of my Favs are:

5-Fresh to Order

4-Ghot Wings

3- Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint

2- Sicilian Pizza

1- Virago

Is being Tramaine Arte’Mis the artist just a dream, a career, or a side gig?

Tramaine Arte’Mis is who I am inside and out. My vision as an artist is reality. My gift is a reality therefore, I strive to elevate and evolve allowing my gift to work for me letting it take me where I am meant to go with it.

Website: www.mstramaineartemismusic.com

Instagram: @tartemis777

Facebook: @TArteMisMusic

Indie Ville TV #123 Micah Dean – Nominated for Comedian of the Year

Written by Lillian Rhine

How long have you been a comedian?

It has been 4 years this month!

Was doing comedy something that always interested you?

Always, it was never a bucket list thing…it was a why haven’t you started doing this yet.

What is the most challenging thing about being a comedian?

Writing a good joke.

Who is your favorite comic and why?

Greg Giraldo. Intelligent, loud and the quickest guy in the room.

What is your process or quirks when you create comedy bits?

When I have a new joke I’m working on I go to this empty room in my house. I’ll post pictures of anyone whoever broke up with me or pictures of smurfs on the walls and then turn off the lights. I’ll do the new joke and shout and stuff and then turn on the light. If I can look at the photos and still feel horrible then I know I’m on to something.

What makes you tick?

Comics who take themselves too seriously.

Tell us about your best performance?

Haven’t had it yet. But one time in Kentucky a woman liked a joke so much she bought me a coke. That was pretty great.

Do you have any advice for upcoming comics?

Embrace the bomb. Bombing is a thing that happens no matter how long you have been doing it, don’t be afraid just embrace it when it happens, learn from it and repeat.

Choose one of the following topics and give a “top five”:  food, cities, bands, movies, games.

Top Five Bands:  Nerf Herder, Nirvana, Turbo Negro, The Bronx, Deftones.

Is being Micah Dean the comedian just a dream, a career, or a side gig?

A way of life!

We at IndieVille TV would like to thank you for letting us get to know Micah Dean and congratulations on the nomination.

Website:  http://micahdean.com/

Instagram:  deanspirit

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/MicahDeanMachine

Twitter:  micahdean

Other:  myspace.com/micahlovesstacie

Indie Ville TV #122 Kamber Cain – Nominated for Indie Music Video

Written by Lillian Rhine

What was the inspiration for your nominated music video?

We all have had past relationships. We all have had that one ex that never completely goes away. We may run into him/her periodically or may run across something, like a color, a truck, a song, etc. that immediately triggers a memory and gives us a flashback of that person. I wanted to create a song that was relatable to everyone and that inspired the creation of the song “I Don’t Think Of You!” The song then blossomed into the nominated music video.

Was this your first music video experience?

No, this was actually my 3rd music video experience. Each experience has been so different but all so much fun. I would love if you would spare a few minutes out of your day and also watch my other two music videos.

Have you always wanted to do music?

Yes, Music has always been a passion of mine ever since my first stage debut at the young age of 3 years old. I absolutely fell in love with music and have chased my dream since. It not only allows me to share with the world my love of music, but I also get to travel to new places and meet new, awesome people along the way.

What is the most challenging thing about being an artist?

Being an independent artist definitely has it challenging moments. Establishing a large fan base and working endlessly to promote myself is tough. It is a very competitive field. There are so many talented artists in this world!

Who are some of your favorites in the industry now?

Carrie Underwood, Kelsea Ballerini, Martina McBride, Taylor Swift, LoCash, Chris Young and the list could go on and on.

 What is your process or quirks when you create music?

 I like to think about experiences I have had, experiences friends or family have had or just things I observe in the world around me and write about it. Then, I transform those ideas into songs. I like to make songs that are relatable to everyone whether it is 3 minutes of forgetting about the world around us, 3 minutes of reflecting back on memories, 3 minutes of a feel good song, etc. I feel like I am doing my job right then if a song can take you to a different place for just a little bit.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

People who bring others down. There is plenty of room in this world for everyone to excel and succeed. I wish everyone could support one another, build each other up and help each other in positive ways.

Tell us about your best performance.

 Every performance is special and unique to me. One that really stands out to me is “The Josie Awards” held at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, Tennessee in September 2016. I not only won the award for “Song of the Year” for “I Don’t Think Of You” but also got to perform in the Symphony Center for over 2,000 in attendance, including lots of talented indie musicians, fans, supporters, friends and family. It was truly a magical moment that I will never forget.

 Do you have any advice for upcoming artists?

           Never give up! If you truly love what you do, you can achieve anything! There will always be bumps in the road that will come about. If you fall down, pick yourself back up and try again. Rely on God and he will get you through anything. Believe in yourself. Surround yourself with others who believe in you and build you up! Ignore the mean people, negative people and haters. Be YOU and stay true to yourself and your dream! You can do it!

Choose one of the following topics and give a “top five”:  food, cities, bands, movies, games

           Food:

1. Stuffed Peppers
2. Spaghetti
3. Cheesecake
4. Buffalo Wings
5. Chick-Fil-A Chicken Nuggets and Waffle Fries
6.  Is being Kamber Cain the artist just a dream, a career, or a side gig?

           A dream and a career that I plan to never give up on.

We at IndieVille TV would like to thank you for letting us get to know Kamber Cain and congratulations on the  nomination.

Website:  www.kambercain.com

Instagram:  KamberCain

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/KamberCainMusic

Snapchat:  Kamber12

Twitter:  KamberCain

Indie Ville TV #126 LaQuita James -Nominated for Actress of year

Written by  K.L. Graham

                                                                                                 

"I'm from a small town in west Tennessee called Decaturville." Ms. James' voice carefully lilts on the other end of the phone.

Her gentle but sharp vocal cadence has landed her numerous voice over gigs.

"I think once I started doing the voice over work it made me a better actor."

LaQuita says and that the more she booked voice over work, it led her to more acting roles.

"I just started booking," she says, adding "It's (voice overs) advanced me in terms of character development." 

Her voice, combined with her beautiful and relatable looks combined with her ability to play feisty characters has garnered her roles on "Nashville" and "Still the King."

"My role on Nashville, I was an administrative assistant in a hospital and I was on 'Still The King' last August at a pool and spa depot."

Both characters are sassy office workers.  Laughing she says "I play a diva on tv, but I'm not one in real life."

In real life, LaQuita is a kind hearted, passionate, hard working actress.

She laughs saying "I don't sleep." Between her voice over work and acting roles, it's no wonder she doesn't have as much time for z's.

Ms. James also produces and stars on the web series "Three's a Pain."

"Right now we're about to start filming Season 2 and 3 of "Three's a Pain."

The comedy is centered around LaQuita's starring character Regina Williams and her two roommates. A modern day "Three's Company" if you will but with its own unique story. 

The comedy stars LaQuita James, Donnie Clark, and David Ditmore.

"It's my house we all live in. Don Clark's character comes in the middle. It's about us trying to cohabit without killing each other."

The show is a recipe for hilarity, but it's LaQuita's vision for a better, more well represented work in Hollywood and even regionally led her to create "Three's a Pain."

"For me especially, it is hard being a woman of color in the industry.  People don't necessarily see us as leads but as funny supporting roles. But I say 'Why not?' 'Why not let us be the leads?' So I said 'Let's write something." 

On both her own work on "Three's A Pain" and the last few years of the Oscars she says:

"Hopefully we see more work and opportunity."

Passionate and hopeful Ms. James' says "We still have work to do. The tides are changing. Let's make it inclusive; Let's not eliminate the possibility of minority."

After all, she reminds us, "Nashville is a huge melting pot." 

Not only that,  Ms. James says "it was the Queen of England who dubbed Nashville "Music City" after hearing a performance by The 5th Jubilee Singers." 

Now that's a story!

Maybe even the plot to her next web series?! 

I'm only hoping.

All of us here at Indieville are rooting for LaQuita.

Some day very soon LaQuita James' star is going to shine brightly along with great artists, her story making the passion of millions of other young girls just like her who dream of being a great actress a possibility, in both her work in commercial Hollywood and independently of it.

You can find out more about "Three's a Pain" here:  http://m.imdb.com/title/tt4658330/

And more on LaQuita: 

http://m.imdb.com/name/nm3795137/

Indie Ville TV #121 Antonio Sharp Nominated for Best Actor

Written by   K.L.Graham

Antonio Sharp hails from Cleveland TN. "That's where I'm at now."

The Cleveland TN native is nominated for Best Actor.

Having starred as "Calvin" in "In God's Hands" (2014) along side Omar Gooding and Keke Wyatt.

On his time working on the film he says: "It was eye opening. Seeing people that you watched on tv as a kid is an honor."

"In God's Hands" is a religious film but Sharp says that he is "principle based." He lives by "do unto others" and "being one with yourself."

On being nominated for Best Actor he says: "I was surprised. Actually a couple of my friends are nominated also."

Mr. Sharp credits collaborators Spencer Glover, Mike White, and Jay Sweet as people he looks up to in the Nashville scene.

"Nashville, Chattanooga, Memphis is a great spot. We can be heard."

"I want in on every part of the scene" he says, chatting about branching out in comedy, writing, and music, along with his burgeoning acting career." 

As for influences, Sharp says "My parents of course, and Will and Marquita Thomas, Tim Ludie, Alvin Moore.  These people see me as a kid, I knew I wanted to do music but I wasn't sure....my grandmothers...These people are the reason why I'm doing what I'm doing. They showed me everything. They made it look like it was possible."

Sharp loves being an independent artist.

He says "You can be your own boss. You can do what you want and if that big break comes along you'll take it of course!"

Antonio says he's "big on staying educated, good vibes, and great people" as well as being committed to putting Nashville and fellow artists and collaborators on the map.

All I can say is, here at Indieville we are big on Antonio Sharp.

@iamantoniosharp

http://m.imdb.com/name/nm6304512/?ref_=m_tt_cl_i7

Indie Ville TV #120 DORIAN RENAIE DEAN – FEMALE MODEL OF THE YEAR

Written by Lillian MacKenzie Rhine                

How long have you been a model?

I have been a model for over a year.

Was modeling and fashion something that always interested you?

Modeling has always interested me since I was a little girl.

What is the most challenging thing about being a model in the fashion world?

The most challenging thing about being a model is learning new poses and techniques; sometimes it can be very difficult.

Who is your favorite model and why?

My favorite model is Cara Delevingne because she is so bubbly and outgoing with her modeling. She has spunk and humor and  I love that. 

Do you prefer high-fashion or commercial print?

I prefer watching high fashion; however, I prefer doing commercial, due to my short height. 

What makes you tick?

There are many things that make individuals tick. I would like to think of mine as my attitude. I have a hard-head and it helps me keep pushing through when times get difficult.

Tell us about your best modeling experience?

My best modeling experience would definitely be the time I went to a Tribe Talent Management open call audition and got signed!

Do you have any advice for upcoming models?

For all of the models young and old, do not lose your spirit and your spunk. Do not become less confident in yourself. You are beautiful the way you are. Do not change yourself just to please someone. Change yourself because it pleases you and only you. Be flirty with the camera. Love yourself! 

Choose one of the following topics and give a “top five”:  food, cities, bands, movies, games

Cities – Paris, Manhattan, Milan, London, and Sydney.

Is being Dorian Renaie Dean the model just a dream, a career, or a side gig?

Being a model, for myself, is more about my dream. It goes deeper beyond just a career. It has always been a dream in the back of my mind and one day, I just decided to make it happen. Now, I am a model/actress with Tribe Talent Management in Nashville! Believe that you can do it and try your hardest and you can do it. I haven't backed down from any obstacles and I won't!

Indie Ville TV want to thank you for chatting with us today and congratulations on your nomination for Female Model of the Year.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dorianrenaiedeanTeAmo

Twitter: www.twitter.com/dorianrenaie 

Indie Ville TV #119 NATHAN KING – COUNTRY EP OF THE YEAR

Written by Lillian MacKenzie Rhine

How long have you been in the genre of Country music?

Realistically, I’ve only been in this genre for a year. My first concert was in August 2016, but I have come a long way in the short time doing so.

Is Country your only genre? Or your first genre of music? If not, what other genres have you participated in and what made you choose Country?

I actually used to tour with a Christian rock band named Ange Light. I met my friends and producers, Jake and Justin – formerly of We As Human, through Ange Light. I grew up in West Virginia and took influences from all genres so when the band decided to part ways, I had other songs I was working on and decided to roll with.

What is the most challenging thing about being a country artist?

It’s a whole new world from what I’m used to. Since I did rock for so long and I made most of my contacts and connections in that market, I more or less had to start from square one even though my approach has been the same.

If you could create music with any other singers/musicians, who would you choose and why?

I would love to do a track with Taylor Swift or Carrie Underwood. My faith is a huge part of my life and I think Carrie and myself could do a great faith-based country song.

What is your process or quirks when you create music?

I actually write everything in my head before I touch an instrument. Sometimes the lyrics come first or the musical melody. But it usually is played out mentally while I sing into my phone recorder for reminders. I then demo out the instruments – everything from guitar, bass, banjo, drums to piano. I play a multitude of instruments which helps the writing process dramatically.

What makes you tick?

Music is something I wanted to do since I was five and first picked up a guitar. This is my passion along with my Christian faith. It drives me to put my whole heart into it.

Tell us about your best performance?

I like to think that I put everything into every performance. It’s hard to pick just one.

Do you have any advice for upcoming artists?

Don’t give up. Don’t take shortcuts. Take advice from those who are out there doing what you want to do. Stay humble and genuine in everything.

Choose one of the following topics and give a “top five”:  food, cities, bands, movies, games

Movies – Pirates of the Caribbean (all of them), Butterfly Effect, Anonymous, Swimfan, Disturbia

Is being Nathan King the Country artist just a dream, a career, or a side gig?

It is a career. I’m not stopping until the dream is accomplished. Then I’ll hit it even harder. I’m blessed enough to have a great team working with me and keep me motivated  when things get frustrating.

Indie Ville TV want to thank you for chatting with us today and congratulations on your nomination for Country EP of the Year.

Website: www.nathankingmusic.net 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nkingmusic

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Nathankingcountry 

Snapchat: Nkingcountry 

Twitter: nkingofficial