Eryn Woods: A 'Rule Breaker' to Emulate

by Cyrus Webb

It's easy to just blend in. The truth is that it takes courage to stand out as your unique self and to let the person that is really you shine through.

For recording artist Eryn Woods this has been a journey she's been on in life, staying true to herself and sharing her music along the way. The great thing is by doing so she has been able to show others how they can do the same.

I found out about Eryn because of her single RULE BREAKER, a message that speaks to how she has lived her life. "This journey has definitely been not an easy one," she confessed during our conversation together. "The music business, especially for a female, is quite difficult but if you love music and you love what you do you, you keep pushing through it and making the best of it."

By doing just that Eryn has found an audience literally around the world. They connect with her talent, her style and her fearlessness.

She told me that she's been into music her entire life. "That's the only thing I can remember throughout my childhood," she says. "It's been fun, and I would not give it up for the world."

I was curious if Eryn still got "wow moments" when she thinks about how far her music is taking her. "I get the wow moments almost everyday when I get responses form people around the world and when I'm on tour," she told me. "I take it in. I stay humble. I thank God for everything He's given me and for the ability to share with the world my talent." She says she takes serious the opportunity to be able to show people you're able to live your dream.

Going back to being yourself Eryn says it's not always easy. "But the thing is when you're not able to embrace who you really are you're not fully happy," she says. "That is something that I like to share with my fans. Once you accept who you are that's the moment when you accept life and able to live it fully."

Stay connected with Eryn on Twitter at www.twitter.com/erynwoods and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/erynwoods.    

James "Mississippi" Marshall: 'Country Raised' and Proud Of It

by Cyrus Webb

In 2017 there are many individuals who made their mark, introducing themselves through their talent and letting the world know they had something to say. James "Mississippi" Marshall was one of those people.

I connected with him initially through Facebook, and when he told me about his new release COUNTRY RAISED I was excited to hear what he brought to the table musically. Believe me when I say the single didn't disappoint. Marshall and I are both from the state of Mississippi, and the single is all about embracing where you are from, what made you who you are and more importantly how it helps us in making our mark in the world. Being 'country raised' is not something to be ashamed of. He feels as I do: it's something to be celebrated.

In his first-ever interview I was able to talk with Marshall about the release of his single and the response from listeners. "It's been a great experience," he told me during his appearance on Conversations LIVE the radio show. "I was just happy to get the music out. Now that it's available I'm hoping that it touches a lot of people."

Marshal says he knew that COUNTRY RAISED would "represent where I'm from" and that it would be the perfect single to introduce him. "A lot of artists sound so much alike that you don't know where they're from. I wanted to make sure people knew when they heard me who I was and that I was from Mississippi."

For some it would be a surprise that James was venturing into music. As someone who has been around the industry it wasn't until 2017 that many knew he was an artist himself. "I just felt like there aren't that many Mississippi artists being recognized right now," he told me. "We do have good artists, and I want to make sure that people around the world remember that."

Marshall says the other thing about being raised in Mississippi is that it keeps you humble. That is an attitude he has taken with him even as he has moved outside the state. It is also something that speaks to the bigger message and mission of COUNTRY RAISED. People all over the world can hear the song and celebrate where they are from and what makes them who they are. One thing that has helped him reach the masses has been having his music on all the major online retailers and having an active presence on social media.

"The internet is helping a lot," he told me. "Once people hear the song they are surprised," he says mainly because they might not expect something like that from Mississippi. That suits Marshall just fine. "I want them to remember the music that is still coming from Mississippi," he says.

It is his home that people will listen to his music and realize not just his talent but that they can have a goal or dream and do the work necessary to make it a reality, no matter where they're from.

Look for more music from James "Mississippi" Marshall in 2018.

Stay connected with him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jamesmississippimarshall, Twitter at www.twitter.com/jameskom601  and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/james_mississippi_marshall.

MUSIC REVIEW: Singer Mason Ashley's STRANGERS

by Cyrus Webb

I think we have all been there. Seen that a relationship---whether it's a friendship, business associate or something more intimate---come to a place where we know it's over but no one seems to want to admit it.

I think when I first heard Mason Ashley single STRANGERS and watched the powerful video for it I knew it was something special. It was a story I have lived---and if I'm honest when it comes to some partnerships am still living---and that is what makes it a song that everyone can relate to.

Mason has a way of making you feel every word she is singing and feel the emotion behind it. What she conveys in STRANGERS is that we do ourselves a disservice by holding on to those and things that no longer do us any good. The separation might be difficult but it is necessary if we want to grow and truly be happy.

Powerfully delivered and something that is sure to touch the heart of the listener, STRANGERS is a song that reminds us not to forget ourselves for the sake of just being in a relationship.

Get this single on Amazon.com. Stay connected with Mason on Twitter at www.twitter.com/themasonashley and our website www.masonashley.com. 

Keith Sweat: Celebrating a Musical Legacy that Will Last Forever

On Tuesday, January 17th R&B legend Keith Sweat began a new chapter in his award-winning career: a residency at the Flamingo in Las Vegas. The singer who has brought the world great songs like MAKE IT LAST FOREVER, TWISTED, HOW DEEP IS YOUR LOVE and NOBODY will be able to spend time with his fans, sharing music that they have come to enjoy for almost 3 decades.

"I helped a lot of people grow in terms of their relationships and growing up with me musically," Keith Sweat told Conversations' Cyrus Webb during a recent interview. "A lot of people don't get that opportunity."

With the songs that he has released have also come powerful stories and videos that have seem to connect with the listener, bringing them into each verse. Sweat says it's easy for him to do the videos because "I have it in my mind when I'm in the studio."

Outside of releasing music, Keith Sweat has also taken to the airwaves as a radio personality and the other of a book about relationships. All of which have been eagerly welcomed by his male and female fans. "I can't really say I'm the doctor of love," he told Webb with a life. What he does say is that he tries to let his audience know that when it comes to relationships "it takes time and it take understanding because no two people are the same." He also added "Every relationship takes work and needs work," and both parties have to be willing to do the work necessary for it to last.

Along with helping others appreciate what it takes to make a relationship last, as he celebrates his 30the anniversary in a competitive industry Keith Sweat is showing other artists what it takes to have longevity. "It's great to be the godfather for other artists," he told Webb. Talking about those who have been inspired by him he says it shows other artists that they can have just as long of a career. "The key to it all is to stay ahead and do as well as you can musically," he says. "For me to open doors for other artists and them to appreciate that means a lot."

Regarding his Vegas residency, Keith has called it the "second act" of his career. When asked to elaborate on that he told Webb: "I've done everything else. When you're going into a whole new arena it creates another journey. Going into Vegas for the first time in the residency is like going to Broadway. It's a new step in my career. It's a new platform that I have to step on. I've learned a long time ago that anything worth having is worth working for. I'm hoping this is something that my fans will be glad I have done."

Stay connected with Keith at www.keithsweat.com.

Listen to Keith Sweat's entire interview with Conversations' Cyrus Webb below:

Conversations' 20 Indie Artists You Should Know in 2018

Conversations' Cyrus Webb has interviewed over 200 recording artists during 2017 through Conversations LIVE radio show and Conversations Magazine. As the year is coming to an end he is excited to share 20 Indie Artists that he was introduced to through Conversations this year that he knows audiences will want to pay attention to headed into a new year.

CONVERSATIONS' 20 Indie Artists You Should Know (listed in no particular order)

1. Jason Pure
2. Sabrina Maria 
3. HisStory
4. Sam Rochford
5. Elle Casazza 
6. Marc Daniels
7. Jahna Sebastian
8. Frank Wade
9. Eryn Woods
10. James "Mississippi" Marshall
11. John k.
12. The Dynamos
13. Phillip Brandon
14. Steven Martinez
15. Russell Taylor
16. Camille Nelson
17. Jay Elle
18. Carmen Lundy
19. Iyse Gibson
20. Ali Caldwell

After 30 Years In the Business Singer Johnny Gill Continues to be a GAME CHANGER

by Cyrus Webb

Timeless. That is just one way to describe Grammy nominated recording artist Johnny Gill.

With the recent BET mini-series on the group New Edition there has been renewed appreciation for what artists like him bring to the table. Many have gotten to know him for his hit singles like "My, My, My","Rub You the Right Way" and "Where Do We Go from Here" (with Stacy Lattisaw) as well as his involvement with the popular groups New Edition and LSG, however, there seems to be no substitute for the man himself.

With his last full length album GAME CHANGER, Johnny Gill fed his fans insatiable appetite for new music, and on January 27th he re-released the single 5000 Miles featuring another R&B crooner Jaheim.

"I have been blessed with a gift from God that is magical. You can't design it," Johnny told me in our conversation together. "I think about my career and how my music has touched people. It is beyond a miracle and a blessing. To have people to connect with you is a gift."

Like many other soulful singers before him Johnny Gill began singing in the church and blossomed from there. He believes the main reason he is still able to do what he loves is because he understands the importance of staying consistent. "I stay true to me and my music," he says. "If you look at my body of work you'll see that I'm open to trying new things. At the end of the day my biggest goal is to always stay focused and be careful that I don't lose who I am. I set out to make great music, songs I can identify with and connect with and do it justice." Remaining true has given him the confidence to say that in spite of it all, he has put his heart and soul into each and every project. "I have something to hold my head up about and be proud," he says. That comes from walking in his musical truth. 

His beginnings were not so full of pride. Johnny relayed to me how when he first started in the business at the age of 15 he was not always the best of himself. "There was no blueprint about how you are supposed to be and act," he told me. "All the things you have to learn growing up in this business---the ups and downs that come with it---now make me blessed that I have my fans there for support." He understands that it is all a process, a machine that brings it all to life. The process that gets his music to the masses is something he feels more connected with, and he knows it's important not to take any of it lightly. 

To his fans, Johnny says this: "Thank you. Know that I don't take you or my success for granted. I couldn't have done this without you. "

Johnny Gill's GAME CHANGER is available on Amazon. Stay in contact with him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/realjohnnygill. His website is  www.johnnygill.com. 

Sherwin Gardner: Reminding Us That 'Greater' Is Coming

by Cyrus Webb

2017 was a challenging year for so many. Sickness, financial difficulties, death were a part of life in every corner of the world. For people of faith, though we are not immune to what is occurring, we know that we are not alone.

 In Jeremiah 29:11 God reminds us of this: ' "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." "

One individual that relies on this promise and uses it in his daily life is Sherwin Gardner. During our conversation together he shared with me the message behind his project called GREATER and what we can be sure that in spite of where we are today that greater things are coming our way if we don't give up.

When I asked Sherwin about what he thinks has been the driving force behind the music he told me this: "What really captivated people was the message. It's an album of motivation. I'm speaking in faith that whatever your situation might be now it will not last. Once you have faith and trust in God greater will come."

This is something that Sherwin has known all of his life, and the lessons began before he was even born with his mother. She was very sick and because of what she was going through to discover what was wrong when it was learned she was pregnant it was advised that she terminate the pregnancy. She refused, and that child was Sherwin.

Growing in up in a big family he discovered early in life (around the age of 10) that he had been given a gift. The way people responded to his singing was something that was bigger than him. "I knew it had nothing to do with my voice," he said. "There had to be something greater inside of me." Because of that he committed his life to ministry and singing.

The music he has produced in the project Greater reminds people of the importance of understanding who you are. It connects with people in a way that assures them that victory can be theirs if they keep expecting greater in their lives.

Conversations with Music Magazine Returns Fri. Dec. 29th

After a two year break, Conversations Media Group is excited to announce that the new issue of Conversations with Music Magazine will be released in print and online on Fri. Dec. 29th.

"We're glad to give our readers what they have been looking for," says Cyrus Webb, Editor-In-Chief of Conversations Magazine and Conversations with Music Magazine. "Over the past two years we have pretty much included our musical features as a regular part of our monthly magazine Conversations. With so much great music coming our way this year headed into 2018 I knew we had to bring back Conversations with Music to recognize it."

The new issue of Conversations with Music Magazine will feature rising stars James "Mississippi" Marshall, Eryn Woods as well as musical legends John Waite, Johnny Gill and others. Marshall and Woods who appear on the cover are also part of Conversations' feature 20 Indie Artists To Watch In 2018.

"This is an issue that is sure to be a collector's edition," Webb says. "Not many publications these days allow the independent artists to shine right along with their well-known counterparts. It's one of the things that sets Conversations apart."

Deadline for paid features in the publication is Fri. Dec. 22. The issue will be on sale in print and available to read online on Fri. Dec. 29th.

For more information contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com. Please use "Conversations with Music" in the subject line.