interview
Interviews with top Beat music advocates celebrities, musicians, artists, and icons about their current and past music projects.
Barbara Safonkina: Mastering the Art of Visual Storytelling Through Film and Fashion
"Since I was a little girl I loved cinema and cameras..." Barbara Safonkina is no ordinary videographer; she has a rare gift: the ability to distill raw emotion and narrative into mesmerizing visuals, and breathe life into them. A Moscow-born videographer with a passion for storytelling, Safonkina has carved out a remarkable career crafting evocative visuals for brands, musicians, and influencers. But her journey to becoming a master of her craft is as compelling as the stories she tells through her lens.
By Khushboo Malhotraabout a year ago in Beat
Canta la gioia: A Joyful Anthem of Faith and Life
Don Pasquale is a priest from the province of Naples with a deep passion for music. He composes Christian-inspired songs that are available on all digital platforms, sharing messages of faith, hope, and joy through his music. His works reflect his dedication to evangelization, blending spiritual themes with various musical styles to reach a diverse audience.
By mysoundMusicabout a year ago in Beat
Leatrice Cantrell on Reinventing Herself, Reflection Image Media, and Turning Pain into Power
Building a legacy in public relations is no small feat, but for Leatrice Cantrell, it’s a mission driven by purpose and resilience. As the founder of Reflection Image Media, she has redefined what it means to connect stories to audiences, turning challenges into transformative narratives. From managing high-profile events like Shaquille O’Neal’s press conference to working with authors and entrepreneurs, Cantrell brings a fresh, heartfelt approach to an ever-evolving industry.
By Tammy Reeseabout a year ago in Beat
CreativeJunkFood: Revolutionizing Storytelling with Art and Technology
Founded by a group of passionate artists from Washington, D.C., CreativeJunkFood has been transforming the way stories are told since 2010. Rooted in traditional art-inspired aesthetics, this dynamic multimedia studio has evolved from animating music videos to spearheading impactful projects like the Go-Go Museum and the Marion Barry Legacy public art installation.
By Tammy Reeseabout a year ago in Beat
Larkin Poe on Fame and Family
Megan and Rebecca Lovell, the sisters behind Larkin Poe, and I sat down with me at their very first Bourbon & Beyond. They were newbies in the business, in awe of all the giant acts. Things have certainly changed as they came back one Grammy richer and had a packed audience.
By Marcia Frostabout a year ago in Beat
Bold Voices and Daring Choices: Daniel Craig's Praise for Chappell Roan
The Modern Celebrity Persona: More Than Just a Façade In the glitzy world of fame and fortune, presentation often takes center stage. Celebrities are expected to balance authenticity with an image curated for public consumption. Daniel Craig, the renowned 56-year-old English actor, recently highlighted this dynamic in an interview with The New York Times. Craig, known for his nuanced portrayal of James Bond, pointed out how many stars today focus heavily on how they present themselves to the world.
By mureed hussainabout a year ago in Beat
In Conversation with I’ve Never Been Here Before and June Henry
After discovering new up and coming folk punk voice of a queer generation June Henry (@luckyjunehenry on Instagram) through my partner’s Spotify, June Henry inadvertently put me onto another up and coming voice of a queer generation, I’ve Never Been Here Before (@iveneverbeenhereb4), by sharing a video from their tour together of I’ve Never Been Here Before performing her song I Am Not Scary. During the break they had on their most recent tour, I was lucky enough to be able to sit down with them both on Google Meet and interview them.
By Onyx Oceanabout a year ago in Beat
Neek B on Transforming Baltimore’s Dance Scene: The Mission Behind B More Than Dance
For nearly two decades, Neek B has been at the forefront of Baltimore’s club dance scene, creating an empowering platform for young talent through his organization, B More Than Dance. From his early entrepreneurial days as a kid selling candy and T-shirts to a Morgan State University graduate who took a leap of faith on his vision, Neek B’s journey has been fueled by an unwavering drive to make a difference. His story is not just about dance; it’s about changing lives, providing options, and building a supportive ecosystem that’s brought countless young dancers out of adversity and into the global spotlight. With a recent feature in Dark City Beneath the Beat, he’s sharing Baltimore’s vibrant culture with the world — reminding audiences everywhere that true transformation starts at the community level.
By Tammy Reeseabout a year ago in Beat
Zaya Lee: Rising Rapper and Actor on Breaking Barriers in Hip-Hop for LGBTQ+ Artists
Meet Zaya Lee, a talented rapper and actor from Syracuse, New York, who's not only making waves with his music but is also breaking down barriers in the hip-hop industry. Inspired by an early love for the arts - sparked by his elementary school music teacher and performances in school plays - Zaya's journey took a major turn in 2018 when he competed in Las Vegas at the International Presentation of Performers, winning four medals across acting categories. Now, as an independent artist, Zaya is dedicated to building a career that celebrates his identity, with a mission to challenge homophobia in hip-hop and make space for LGBTQ+ voices. Recently, he took the stage with RuPaul's Drag Race star Kasha Davis, showing audiences what it means to be true to oneself and paving the way for the next generation of LGBTQ+ artists.
By Tammy Reeseabout a year ago in Beat
Key Factors in Construction Estimating: Ensuring Project Success
Accurate construction estimating is a cornerstone of successful project management in the construction industry. It involves predicting the costs associated with a project, including materials, labor, and overhead, to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. The complexity of construction projects makes effective estimating both a science and an art. Understanding the key factors that influence construction estimating can significantly enhance the likelihood of project success.
By Mack Cooperabout a year ago in Beat
