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Issue 17December 2013

MeetTyrese Gibson’s Voltron Recordz recording artist!Page 14

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Credits

Daniella Jones-EllisWriter & Editor

Letisha Jones-EllisWriter & Editor

Ishmael JacksonGraphic Designer

Editor’s note

Issue 17 | December 2013 | dlpublications-lart.co.uk

Features

Get That Festive Glow | 04Go for a more slender & structured

AW look this Christmas.

Word On The Street | 06London Collections: Men is back and

with a new ambassador.

Accessories Are A Girl’s Best Friend | 08

Subtle & statement AW pieces.

K.I.D. Nation | 10This family trio present their world.

Kristal Lyndriette | 14We introduce the Voltron Recordz

artist to the UK.

Spec Turner | 18The Atlanta based music composer

now hosts his own radio show.

Eric ‘EJ’ Jerome | 22The Favored Entertainment artist of

the future.

Body Politic | 26The London Experience

L’ART

02 | Contents | L’ART L’ART | Contents | 03

Hi all and welcome to the seventeenth issue of L’ART; the Christmas issue.

As we welcome in the last month of 2013, we look forward to what 2014 has to offer, with a great collection of names ready to share their highlights and work efforts of 2013. Plus all features have got something in store for you to look forward to in the new year.

The annual London Collections: Men event kicks off the 2014 fashion calendar in January. Complete with new designers, full catwalk shows and an M&S Best of British presentation, we take a look at what’s hot for 2014, plus watch live with L’ART.

Dance company Body Politic continue to bring the stars to your doorstep. See which international choreographers are on this line up, what attendees can look forward to, how the team are celebrating Christmas and more, as BP present the London Experience.

Plus we speak to up and coming group K.I.D. Nation, whose drive, ambition and big hearts have these young teens set for an exciting music career. Plus the re-introduction of our cover star Voltron Recordz’ Kristal sees her in her new journey as a solo artist creating music news not to be missed. Read her full interview here following our online Voltron Recordz takeover.

Look out for festive revelations of how your features will be spending their holidays and enjoy L’ART’s new look which will be joined by a new site on January 1st at our new home of lartmagazine.co.uk.

Merry Christmas & A Happy New YearDaniella & Letisha

Photo credit: ASOS

Leather effect burgundy skirt, £35.10 Devoree floral kimono, £44.10 Yellow cropped jumper, £35.00

Black mesh maxi skirt, £30.00 Floral print suit trousers, £44.99 Cream sequin cami, £29.99

Get That Festive Glow

Novelty jumpers and glittering accessories are one way to go, but we’re all about mixing our top AW colours with a more slender and structured look.

Images from top left to right:

Photo 1 & 2: Miss Selfridge | Photo 3 & 4: Miss Selfridge | Photo 5: MANGO | Photo 6: New Look

L’ART | Get That Festive Glow| 0504 | Get That Festive Glow | L’ART

Word On The Street

London Collections: Men returns from January 6th to January 8th 2014. Find out which designers will be returning and there is also a huge reveal, as another stylish male joins Tinie Tempah,

Dermot O’Leary and David Gandy as an ambassador.

January sees the return of London Collections: Men and with London being the home of fashion designer Alexander McQueen, this is a huge event for the company to be showing their latest collection.

“It’s great to be showing our menswear mainline as part of London Collections: Men, especially with our first dedicated menswear store opening on Savile Row this autumn,” said Jonathan Akeroyd, CEO of Alexander McQueen.

Key talking points for the event are full autumn/winter catwalk shows from British designers, including A. Sauvage and Casely-Hayford. Plus, the NEWGEN Men title will also return next year, plus this time around, aspiring designers Common, Kit Neale and footwear designer Diego Vanassibara, which is sponsored by Topman.

“All recipients receive sponsorship and showcasing opportunities at London Collections: Men, as well as tailored business and mentoring support with a view to increasing the success of their business commercially and building relationships with key press and buyers.”– The British Fashion Council

NEWGEN Men began in September 2009 and it is an excellent tool to raise the profile of emerging British fashion designers. They can use London Collections: Men as their platform in the early stages of their career. They have the opportunity to build relationships with key buyers and press, sponsorship, mentoring support and build on ways to increase the success of their business.

The Big Reveal!Nick Grimshaw is the British Fashion Council’s latest ambassador chosen for for London Collections: Men, joining David Gandy, Tinie Tempah and Dermot O’Leary. He will be joining the team to support the shows and events, as well as working closely with the members of the menswear committee.

Guys you can clone Nick’s signature look today with a leather jacket and printed t-shirt..

06 | Word On The Street | L’ART

Images from top left to right:

Photo 1: ElleUK | Photo 2: River Island | Photo 3: ZARA | Photo 4: TV3

L’ART | Word On The Street| 07

Photo credit: Topshop

Yellow mixed stone earrings, £18.50 Stripe glitter cuff, £13.50 Gold tone snake ring, £16.00

Pink gem stone stud earrings, £2.40 Gold crystal ring, £3.20 Glitter curb chain bracelet, £6.80

Accessories Are A Girl’s Best Friend

Whether you need a huge statement piece or a subtle finishing touch, jewellery is every girl’s best friend.

Images from top left to right:

Photo 1 & 2: Topshop | Photo 3 & 4: River Island | Photo 5 & 6: Miss Selfridge

L’ART | Accessories Are A Girl’s Best Friend | 0908 | Accessories Are A Girl’s Best Friend | L’ART

As a young group wanting to send out positivity with their music, as well as a big goal to be known as nationwide stars, their name is

appropriate don’t you think?

With a tight family bond, working under

family owned record label Favored Entertainment and having a shared passion for music, Atlanta based Faith, J Baby and Sonny have been building their working relationship together and are all trained vocalists, pianists and guitar players. With a debut album currently under way for release in 2014, this trio have got their eyes set on doing it all.

“There’s nothing that we can’t do. You can always achieve,” they confidently state. And with an aim to encourage kids to have the same mentality of being themselves, it was definitely rewarding speaking to this fresh,

young group.

From Grammy’s to platinum albums, movies and modelling, once K.I.D. Nation reach their goal of becoming a number one recording group, they’ve also got their eyes set on conquering other avenues in relation to their music, making K.I.D. Nation a global name.

Already known for their charitable actions and great performances in their home town and surrounding states, we’d say the teens are off to a great start, particularly with their history of performing at toy drives and taking time out to give to those less fortunate than themselves.

“It’s always good to give back to the community, feed the homeless and give them a good show.”

K.I.D. Nation will be taking part in another toy drive at Ormond Beach, Florida (250 N Us Highway 1) on December 8th 5pm-8.30pm and this time they’ll be joined by their church. If you’re in the area feel free to join them, with a new unwrapped toy gaining you entry to support a great cause.

Spending so much time together as siblings and group members, you’d imagine as young individuals a few fall outs may occur here

“This is your girl Faith, I’m your boy J Baby, I’m your boy Sonny and we

are K.I.D. Nation.”Enter this teen group’s world as they set their sights on that number one

spot and bring you their debut album.

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at the studio we just bounce off each other. We might have our ups and downs but we’ve grown up together. This is what we have, we love each other.”

With a knack to make people laugh, J Baby is the comedian of the group, whilst Sonny can

be shy at times. As the eldest of the group, only female Faith is definitely the more vocal of the group as well as an athlete. She took the time to list a few of the artist’s K.I.D. Nation admire and would want to work with in the near future.

“Justin Timberlake, Justin Bieber, Beyonce, Brandy…She’s just so amazing, the way she does her notes. She has such an amazing talent.”

Having already performed with the OMG Girls and also shared the stage with Tyrese, Doug E Fresh, Johnny Gill, Eric Benet and Black Nativity’s Jacob Latimore, they also

took on a great opportunity which saw them host their own radio show.

Their sighted potential resulted in the world seeing a more personal side to the trio, an opportunity they would definitely like to see crop up again in future.

“We loved it. It gave us another opportunity to talk to our fans and to the public. You can never have too many fans.”

So once they’ve given back at their next toy drive, how will K.I.D. Nation be spending the holidays? Enjoying their supportive family comes number one for this trio, with making the most of having time off coming a close second.

“We just really want to appreciate them this Christmas, so we’ve been working hard for those gifts,” they laughed.

Expect their debut album Our World to be a mesh of pop, rnb, dance, emotion and overall an excuse to have a good time. Not wanting to place themselves in one genre, the fun of being a kid is a vibe they want to represent, whilst being diverse for all their fans at the same time.

“Definitely expect the unexpected.”

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Stay connected with K.I.D. Nation online:Twitter @WeAreKIDNationInstagram @wearekidnationYoutube Faith, Sonny J-Baby

L’ART | K.I.D. Nation | 13

Continuing from our online chat with Kristal, there is one special place that she draws her inspiration from. “My father is a musician, my

mother was a singer and most of my father’s side is involved with music, so I’ve always been around it. That’s definitely where my

inspiration comes from; just my family in general and everything we’ve been through as a family.”

It’s also a more heart-warming time in Kristal’s life, as she feels a lot more support coming her way. “Tyrese has supported me with an opportunity to have freedom as an artist. If you’re an artist, you know that that’s very important to be able to explore our field and show the world who we are and experiment with things.

“He’s helped me with whatever I don’t understand. That’s been the greatest part of

this whole experience, because I didn’t get that when I was signed to a label.

“This solo journey has really given me the opportunity to look at myself and have those moments alone to figure things out, no influence. It’s just me. I’ve learnt so much about myself going through this by myself.”

But there have also been other highlights in Kristal’s career that will forever stand out to her. She was able to tour the North American and Canada leg of Beyonce’s I Am tour as the opening act alongside her group RichGirl.

“That was the biggest moment of my life. We barely had a song out but she believed in us as a group and for us to be her opening act. She wasn’t supposed to have one. She saw our video when she was in Europe and said ‘I want them on my tour’. I love her work ethic, so every night after we opened, I watched her show. We did about 50 shows and I wanted to learn. I wouldn’t sing, I would just watch. She was a great teacher.”

Kristal also revealed that Brandy Norwood is her number one and with Tyrese having such a close relationship with her, she has been able to meet her idol. “Those times when I was down and felt like I didn’t want to do music anymore, I would just put her music

We welcome Kristal Lyndriette to the UK

We continue our conversation with the first artist of Tyrese Gibson’s label, Voltron Recordz, to be releasing her debut music.

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on. She’s too incredibly dope. I thank God that Tyrese gave me the opportunity to meet her.”

Following this union, Kristal would love to collaborate with Brandy in the future and she also expressed her desire to make

a song with Tyrese and Kendrick Lamar. Kendrick truly touched Kristal on his 2013 BET Awards acceptance speech about his personal journey from the hood to where he is now.

She could relate to his story and him being able to reach out to her in a room full of people, is what she strives to achieve herself. “I want to get very intimate with my fans this time around, because I’ve learnt that that’s part of people loving you and accepting you.

“I’m a strong believer in everything happens for a reason. I’m excited about singing

because I know there’s not a lot of that on the radio right now. I respect what everybody else is doing but we’re definitely missing the love.

“I’m looking forward to dropping this album and touching every soul that I can through my music. That’s what is most important to me.”

Kristal has also won a speaking role in Fast & Furious 7. “I definitely didn’t want to get a part just for the fact that Tyrese was in the movie. I wanted my part to be earned. I’m just excited to be a small piece of this incredible franchise.”

And with Tyrese about to celebrate 20 years in the music industry, he is always willing to give advice. “Something he said to me was that consistency at some point will establish your individuality. That meant a lot to me because being a woman in this business, you’re always compared to the next woman. So if I just continue to do me, they’ll have no choice but to see who I am.”

Now after working tirelessly for three months on end, Kristal is now looking forward to the holidays. “I’m definitely going to have a meal cooked by my mum, sit around the fire and have some fun.”

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“They’ll have no

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L’ART | Kristal Lyndriette | 17

Spec Turner is an Atlanta based music composer who has built his status within the music industry from the mid-90’s until today. He was

a member of New Jack Swing group, Basic Black.

Since then, he has produced music for many great artists and extended his musical qualities to arranging music, hosting events and becoming a staff producer for Jermaine Dupri.

Spec has continued to achieve many successful things in his career and there is more than one pivotal moment that stands out to him. “The first was signing to Motown Records and becoming a recording artist. The second was to work with the great Whitney Houston. I was proud to produce two songs on her 4x Platinum My Love Is Your Love album.”

Spec’s relationship with Whitney was like working with a big sister. “She made me feel like I was at home. We sat, talked about life, music and friends. Of course her friends were all famous and mine were all fans of her friends!”

With such great highs to use as inspiration for the future, Spec’s ability to write incredible songs has also progressed into areas of production, engineering and vocal arrangement.

Now with a new project on hand, Spec is the host of his own segment on Sound Fusion radio. “My long time friend and road manager for my group, Floyd Norris introduced me to Ian Gloss. I pitched some music to get in rotation on the show and realised that they did not have an R&B segment.

“So I pitched them the idea and created the one hour show and the rest is history. If I see an opportunity to create something new or enhance a situation, I jump on it. I love the station and they make me feel like one of the family. It’s great to be able to present new music from upcoming artists that you would normally not hear on your traditional radio station.”

From Basic Black To Sound Fusion Radio

Spec Turner’s music career has continued to soar from the humble beginnings of New Jack Swing to hosting his own radio show.

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“Her friends were all

famous and mine were

fans of her friends.”

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Spec is always inspired by his listening audience who tweet their comments and write Facebook shout outs. “They could listen to any other show but they chose us.”

Of course there would be no future without a past and Spec has a lot to draw from, from past experiences with well-known artists he has worked with. When asked who his favourite was, he said: “That would be Whitney Houston, Missy Elliott and Teddy Riley. Whitney, because she was the greatest singer of all time and such a nice person. I recorded in her home studio so I was able to see her life from the inside. Missy Elliott, because she taught me to be innovative and not to be afraid to take chances. Teddy Riley, because he took me and a few other friends under his wing and taught us about New Jack Swing. We are still friends to this day.”

When working with clients it’s important to Spec that he portrays the client simply through the track he produces. Right now he is concentrating on new artist Olu, as well as Korean company Kelsy Entertainment Korea (K.E.K).

Spec is also interested in looking for UK talent and artists from around the world to work with. Sulekha Ali is one lady that has caught his eye. “She has this incredible song called ‘They Don’t Know’. She is an independent artist. I featured her on my show.”

Plus, he would also love to produce artists such as Rita Ora, Estelle, Stooshe and Lemar – just to name a few - and with his most current project doing so well and receiving excellent reviews from the general public, these collaborations just might become real.

Although music will forever be an element in his everyday life, in his free time he does love to spend his time jogging, watching documentaries and spending quality time with his family; which is what he’s most looking forward to this Christmas. “My wife Angela Turner, eight-year-old daughter, Arrington and 10-year-old son, Trey - I’ve got to shout them out or there will be no Christmas for me!”

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Meet the Favored Entertainment Artist of the Future

Eric ‘EJ’ Jerome started writing songs at the age of five and now he is performing to many fans around the world. Here is his story...

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Actor, model and musician, Eric Jerome – otherwise known as EJ – has grown up with music being his number one love.

He has shared a stage with greats such as Doug E. Fresh and Eric Benet; his new single ‘One More’ was featured on the Las Vegas founded blog rockstarrdjz.com and he also has an Android music app (iiamlejend).

Although he has experienced many setbacks along the way, ‘the optimistic thinker is always prepared to meet challenges head-on’.

L’ART: You started writing songs at 5 years old. How were you inspired to do that at such a young age?

EJ: “I’ve always loved music. I was singing at a very young age, songwriting just seemed like the next level of music for me.”

L’ART: Where do you now draw your inspiration from when writing songs?

EJ: “From pretty much anything. I think all things can give inspiration. You just have to look hard enough.”

L’ART: When listening to Aretha Franklin and Marvin Gaye, how do you think they have

contributed to the artist you have become?EJ: “Greats like Aretha and Marvin gave me a platform of what real music is. People like Usher gave me the direction to go on that platform within my music.”

L’ART: You have performed to a number of audiences, what kind of events do you most look forward to performing at?

EJ: “I love performing in situations where I’m serving the community. Giving back has always been big in my household, so the fact that I can do it through my music is always amazing.”

L’ART: Where will we be able to see you perform in the next couple of months?

EJ: “I will be performing in Jacksonville, Ormond Beach and Orlando Florida in the next couple of months.”

L’ART: What do you wish to achieve in your career in the new year?

EJ: “An even bigger fan base and the ability to progress even more with my craft, as well as my audience.”

L’ART: Which artists do you wish to work with musically and why?

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“Giving back has always been big in my household.”

L’ART | Eric ‘EJ’ Jerome | 2524 | Eric ‘EJ’ Jerome | L’ART

EJ: “Usher, Timbaland, Brandy, Joe, Miley Cyrus; the list goes on. They each have qualities within them that I admire, not just musically but personally.”

L’ART: We know that Usher is one artist you admire on stage, but who else do you look up to as an all round performer and why?

EJ: “As far as other performers, I look up to Ryan Leslie. His live shows I’ve heard have been incredible. His unity with his music is something that I admire and the fact that he plays all the instruments within his production is simply amazing.”

L’ART: Is there an album in the works?

EJ: “My debut album is called IIAMLEJEND. Although I have a lot of great music, I’m very cautious and sensitive about what I give my followers. When I do finally drop my project, it will be mind boggling.”

L’ART: Lastly, with the festive season coming up, how will you be spending your Christmas holidays?

EJ: “The best way I can, with my family.”

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“For me, one of the main reasons why Body Politic host international workshops is because it allows people to have unique training opportunities with some of the

best dance artists in the industry,” Body Politic founder Emma-Jane Greig started.

And with that said, que a dedicated weekend to dance, as Body Politic present Shaun Evaristo, Jillian Meyers and Pat Cruz in London.

From February 15th to16th, the three choreographers will enter through the doors of Jackson’s Lane Theatre, to offer a full weekend of knowledge, instil passion and leave their students full of inspiration and drive.

“These choreographers are not only incredible dancers but are incredible teachers who really care about their students’ development. For me, their ethos and passion for dance fits with the aims of Body Politic.

“We aim to improve the self-confidence and self-belief of young developing dancers, and these choreographers really understand the importance of that. Plus, they are incredible!”

“To progress as a dancer we need to be inspired and challenged.”

Body Politic present The London Experience, with a great line up of international choreographers in tow.

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As a company having already worked with Pat Cruz and Shaun Evaristo in the past, what can attendees expect this time round? Not being able to predict the work the talented trio are bringing to the weekender, anything from a ‘smooth, sexy style to contemporary to hip hop,’ you are to expect the unexpected and arrive ready to try anything, factors which are sure to add to the excitement. Whatever is to come, Emma-Jane has no doubt that the result will be eclectic.

“I want people to leave feeling inspired… more confident in their own ability,” Emma-Jane expressed. “Feeling like they’ve learnt something new and maybe met and made friends with other like-minded people too.”

This time round, the workshops will be spread across a weekend. With nine hours of ‘dance magic plus an exclusive Q/A session on the Sunday’ available, dance students have the chance to be vocal with their instructors, allowing them to find out about the artist’s struggles, motivation, obstacles and more.

“It’s a more upfront and personal workshop weekend that will leave students buzzing for more and inspired to keep growing and developing their own craft. These artists are the ultimate role models in the dance industry.”

With a history of bringing great opportunities for the dance scene in Oxford to their doorstep, this February weekender takes Body Politic on the road to the UK capital, known for its dance scene, studios and academy’s of education. But one thing in particular sealed the deal for founder Emma-Jane… the size of the venue.

“My heart will always be in Oxford and I will continue to have a strong presence,” she stressed. “However this workshop is going to be BIG! I want to make it as easy and accessible for dancers from across the UK to attend this workshop, and London is the obvious choice for this.”

A lot of fun is to be had inside and outside of the studio, with the working relationship continuing behind the scenes with the BP crew and their guest choreographers in tow.

Remember there will be merchandise available on the day, so if you want to be the proud owner of the latest BP tee or sweatshirt then here is your chance.

“Our online shop will be up by Christmas! You can buy straight from the website or in any of our classes at the moment.” And in keeping with online web, be sure to be following Body Politic on Twitter for updates and a big announcement coming very soon.” Plus to

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capture and remember this not to be missed event, expect to see footage of the workshops released at a later date.As we near the end of 2013, naturally we are led to reflect on the events of the past 12 months, as well as the changes that have occurred leading to growth and progression, and these

factors also relate to the BP crew.

Having grown to a great number of 19 individuals, the dancers train every Sunday in London and just recently performed at Oxford’s Christmas Lights event. Plus December’s workload also includes a new video being filmed, so keep your eyes out for the drop.

“It’s a great vibe and everyone is really hungry to learn, challenge and grow together.

“It’s been a phenomenal year,” Emma-Jane remembers, whilst placing the BP Believe Tour

workshop with Justin Bieber’s choreographers present number one in her top three. The Sequel showcase for the company’s first birthday and the new BP family and continuing growth in the team were close to follow.

With the festive period quickly approaching, what celebrations do the BP family have in mind to celebrate a great year? “In Nandos probably; it’s beginning to become a bit of a tradition.

“It’s so great to have other people sharing the vision and as passionate about making it a success as I am!

“I am truly grateful to everyone who has taken any of our classes or workshops, or seen one of our productions. Here’s to an even better 2014!”

Looking for accommodation for the weekend? Receive discount prices at Generator Hostel, 37 Tavistock Place (020 7388 7666)

‘To book, dancers need to email groupslondon@generatorhostels.com quoting “Justin Bieber” as a reference to receive discount prince of £19.50 per night in 3-12 bedded dorm rooms with shared facilities. PLUS ONLY £4.50 for breakfast!’ Be sure to book before the special offer cut off date of January 24th.

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“It’s been a

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L’ART