Introducing Conversations Magazine's Music Issue

Shadow Play Entertainment and Conversations Magazine are pleased to announce that the special music edition will be re-released on May 18, 2012!

Featuring recording artists from around the world, Webb strived to bring together individuals from various walks of life that all had one thing in common: their love of music. "I was amazed by the over 100 responses from individuals interested in being profiled," says Webb, 36. "What we ended up with is an eclectic group of men and women who are providing a worldwide soundtrack of talent and skill."











INSIDE THIS SPECIAL ISSUE
* DaShawn Miller: R&B's Prince Asks "Can You Handle It?"
* Schuyler Fisk: Adding Her Own Chords To The Music Of The World
* "Why We Go Goo Goo For Lady Gaga"
* Clare Lioon: Lessons Learned From Lady Gaga
* Michael Silas: Dancing Into His Destiny
* PROFILE: Mareshah Lawton (Melbourne, Australia)
* PROFILE: Adie (Valletta-Malta)
* Trey Lorenz: Sharing His Passion For Life Through Song
* Jessica Felman: Basking In The Light At The End Of The Tunnel
* Pretty Boiiz: Creating Music Without Limits
* PROFILE: Sarah McClurg (Canada)
* Nate Fowler: Pursuing His Music Through It All
* PROFILE: Michael "Mr. Fluid" Norris (Mississippi)
* Musician Cassandra O'Neal: More Than Hollywood
* Vinson Baker: A Rising Star Hiding In Plain Sight
* Recording Artist Peter Baldwin: Creating and Connecting One Day At A Time
* PROFILE: Cunning Brad (Bulawayo, Zimbabwe)
* Introducing Natalie Foley (Country)
* PROFILE: Ofelia Guizzon (Queensland, Australia)
* PROFILE: Robert Graham (Canada)
* PROFILE: Scarlletta (London)
* V.A.I.N.: Using His Lyrical Ability To Set Himself Free
* Recording Artist Dorothy Kersh: Living By Faith
* PROFILE: Soulsion (Auckland, New Zealand)

To order your copy of this special music edition of Conversations Magazine today for only $6.99, shipping included or to read the issue online and find out more information about those profiled, visit www.conversationswithmusic.com.

DaShawn Miller: R&B's Prince Asks "Can You Handle It?"

by Cyrus Webb

For 24 year old recording artist DaShawn Miller the success he has experienced so far has been a culmination of hard work and incredible blessings. The Waco, TX native is living his dreams and sharing his love of music with the world in ways that few artists have been able to.

I have interviewed the rising star several times over the past couple of years, and it's easy to see why he is winning over fans of his music all over the country and beyond. He's stays up late using social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter to talk with his fans, get their input and promote his latest project. Even at his young age he realizes that with such attention his looks and charm can only get him so far. He has to make sure the music lives up to the hype as well.

When preparing the music edition of Conversations Magazine we knew that it would be incomplete without DaShawn voice within it. In this interview he talks about where he his, what has got him to this point and there is much more to expect in the future.

DaShawn, first of all congratulations on all of your success. When did you first realize music was something that you had a real interest in?
It was early in life, about the age of twelve. My mom played alot of R&B in the house, and I fell in love with it.

Now that you are writing and producing your own music, what does it feel like to be focusing on what you love?
It's a crazy feeling, but it's also a blessing. When you have alot of people all over the place who like your music, that means alot.

How would you describe your particular lyrical style?
My music is more for when you are trying to set the mood right for that special person. If you find yourself loving groups like H-Town, Sillk as well as K Cee and Jo Jo then more than likely you will like DaShawn.

Congratulations on the digital distribution deal with Def Jam for the song "Can You Handle It?" Tell us about the meaning behind the song.
Thank you. The deal with Def Jam is just proof that all of the grinding with this music is paying off. I'm really grateful. As for the song, "Can You Handle It?" is more of a slow, club song. Basically I'm asking the girl if I give you my all can you handle that?

Because of the popularity you are generating, DaShawn, it is inevitable that you will have individuals looking up to you. Is being a role model something that you are comfortable with?
You know, I do want to be seen as a role model. That's why I try to keep my image clean. I want to portray myself in a way that others will look at me and what I"m doing and say they want to be like that person. That's important to me.

When it comes to getting your music out there, how have social networking sites like Twitter, Myspace and Facebook helped you reach a larger audience?
It makes it alot easier for your fans to connect with you, and you can get their feedback. It is also great for networking, linking up with producers and songwriters. For me, it's been a big part of my lifeline to the world.

I mentioned earlier about other individuals including artists looking up to you and what you have accomplished. Do you have an advice for them?
I would tell them that you have to keep doing it everyday. In the music industry there is no such thing as an off day. Even if and when you get the negative feedback, you have to keep going. Believe me, I am living proof that it will all pay off in the end. Repetition is the key to success.

In June 2011 recording artist DaShawn and good friend Bryan McCann of the Dallas Cowboys became the national spokespersons for the Ballin' With Books Literacy Campaign. Ballin' With Books unites sports lovers with books that fit their particular interests.

It was in six grade that DaShawn started getting interested in sports, namely football. His uncle played and was really good at it. I always looked up to him," says DaShawn. "I even wore the same number he wore (45) and played the same position." From football, DaShawn began to show an interest in basketball. When he began to pursue his music, he was able to do so balancing his love of sports.

No matter what he was doing, though, education was something he was going to excel in regardless---and that included reading. DaShawn hopes to use the spotlight that is on him to bring attention to this important topic as well as get others to see that you can be cool and still better yourself.

Look for two new singles and a video to be released by Dashawn in the near future, with details about his album coming soon. You can also find him this summer on the U Rock tour visiting stops in New Orleans, Dallas and Houston.

We at Shadow Play Entertainment and Conversations congratulate DaShawn for following his dreams and encouraging others to do the same. For more information about him and his upcoming projects visit www.reverbnation.com/dashawn.

Nate Fowler: Pursuing His Music THROUGH IT ALL

by Cyrus Webb

Raised in Boise, ID recording artist Nate Fowler took an interest in his father's acoustic guitar and never seemed to give it. As he says on his website "Music has always been something that has intrigued me." That intrigue, hard work and sheer determination has led him to pursue a career as an entertainer and release his new project THROUGH IT ALL.

Pouring out who he is and situations that have occurred around him, Nate has found that his music is not just resonating with those who support his music but with some in the industry as well. He has been awarded prizes and gotten the respect of individuals in the industry over the past couple of years. This has not changed the way he approaches music per se, but it's obvious that he is more sharp in his delivery and exactly what he wants to convey when he is on stage or in the studio.

"I like to make memories," Nate's website reveals about him, "and it seems that there are other people that like to make memories as well." These people come out to see him perform, purchase his music and stay in constant contact with him online. Some would have given up because the stardom they wanted wasn't coming fast enough. This wasn't the mindset of Nate. He knew that he was on this journey for the long haul, and through it all he was going to keep on until he was successful.

According to Nate "failure is simply not trying." So what is his advice to all of us? "I’m passionate. Please be passionate about something with me. They don’t have to be the same passions but we can still be friends." Yes, Nate I think you are right about that.

Find out more about this rising superstar at www.natefowlermusic.com and follow him through his Facebook fan page for current updates.

Pretty Boiiz: Creating Music Without Limits

by Cyrus Webb

It would seem that CT natives Rocky and J-Rez were destined to create music together. The two met while in school together and that meeting led to their forming the group Pretty Boiiz. The result has been that they are creating a sound that people are gravitating to and enjoying and goes beyond any limits that may be put in front of them.

When talking to the two of them it is obvious they are not only excited about the success they are having but enjoying themselves along the journey as well. "People are listening and joining the movement," J-Rez told me during the phone interview. "That is a good feeling, because it is something we have put our hearts into."

They have definitely come a long way since that initial meeting in 2004. Three years after that they had entered a talent competition when in high school, which led to their meeting their manager. I asked them what it was like to be in their early 20s and already doing what they want to do while so many others their ages are still trying to figure it all out. Rocky told me it was a real blessing, and J-Rez added this: "What is really good is that people like us for us. We're staying true to ourselves and living our lives in a positive way."

The name Pretty Boiiz came about when the two were trying to figure out what would fit them and their style the best. In school they had become known as "pretty boys" for their love of fashion and looking good. In the end it seemed like the perfect description of who they were and what they represented.

Describing their sound was easy. They wanted to produce music that was fun, creative and different, and something that people their age and all ages could relate to.

When they were guests on Conversations LIVE Radio in September 2011 they introduced their single "Blue Yankee On". They have released a video for the single that can be found at www.youtube.com/prettyboiiztv.

I asked them what they would say to others who looked at their success and what they have achieved and wanted to know what advice they would offer. They both mirrored the same sentiment: "Never give up on your dream. If you believe in yourself there is nothing you won't be able to do."

To stay in contact with the Pretty Boiiz visit www.prettyboiiz.com. You can also find them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/prettyboiiz. Interested in listening to their interview on Conversations LIVE? Visit www.tinyurl.com/prettyboiiz.

Trey Lorenz: Sharing His Passion For Life Through Song

by Cyrus Webb

Many got to know Grammy-Nominated recording artist Trey Lorenz when he sang a cover of the Jackson Five's "I'll Be There" with Superstar Mariah Carey, but that was by no means the beginning for him. In fact his love of music and skills as a performer became apparent as a kid in church growing up in the South. Today people all around the world know of his talent, and he is using the platform available to him to share his passion for life through song.

I had the opportunity to interview Trey on Conversations LIVE in September 2011 just as he was celebrating a string of high notes of the year. Before the discussion on the radio he had already enjoyed the success of two hit songs overseas with DJ Harry Choo Choo and DJ Tony Moran with the #1 UK dance record “Can I Love U More”.

I asked him in the interview what was it like for him to do something that he was so passionate about? "It's really a blessing," he told me "Life is a progression. I feel really fortunate."

The first time Trey performed "I'll Be There" with Mariah Carey for the world was on MTV Unplugged, however, it was the performance in 2009 at the Michael Jackson Memorial that people seemed to really resonate with. For Trey it was in many ways a full-circle experience. "It was one of those surreal moments in life," he relates. As someone who grew up loving Motown and of course Michael Jackson, it was an honor that Trey will never forget.

When asked what advice would he give artists looking to break into the business, his answer is clear: "Do your homework and study your craft. Some artist may have great songs but lack in other areas. Make sure you are studying the greats."

For Trey Lorenz nothing is impossible. His new single "Rescue Me" is available now on Itunes, and he can be found performing across the country and beyond sharing his passion for life and his gift of music. Even as he is reaching higher levels professionally, Trey also has words of wisdom for everyone with a dream. "If you have a passion for something make sure you stay with your first love," he says. "If it's really your passion it will never change."

Keep up with Trey Lorenz online at www.facebook.com/treylorenzmusic and www.twitter.com/trey_lorenz.

PROFILE: Sarah McClurg (Canada)

by Cyrus Webb

"I don't know exactly where I'm going yet, but I hope you'll come along for the ride!" That is what Country music sensation and native Canadian Sarah McClurg has to say about her new album TENNESSEE RAIN and her career. In my opinion, I think you should take her advice.

Sarah's voice and passion for her music and conveying it to the public is clear in watching her perform (as you can on her website www.sarahmcclurg.com), and I don't believe she will be stopping any time soon. Best known for her powerful voice and show-stopping performances, Sarah was gifted with an undeniable love for music early in life, and she is glad to be sharing that now with the world.  

In 2009 the young lady traveled to Nashville, Tennessee and met with producer Danny White of renowned 16 Ton Studios on famed Music-Row. After collaborating on what was to be just a "single," the two decided a full-album was the only way to go and so ensued "Tennessee Rain", an album of heartfelt, sincere country songs by a seasoned and confident artist.

The title track "Tennessee Rain" can be heard on Sarah's Facebook fanpage and is an up-tempo, vocally driven tune about lovers against all odds "washing away the pain tonight in the Tennessee rain".  "This album is everything I wanted it to be and it's only possible because of this journey I've been on all these years", she says.

Conversations Magazine congratulates Sarah McClurg for the courage she has shown in pursuing her dreams, and the path she has carved out for herself. It's not about trying to be anyone else. She is just being Sarah.

Visit www.sarahmcclurg.com and discover the magic of recording artist Sarah McClurg for yourself.

Musician Cassandra O'Neal: More Than Hollywood

by Cyrus Webb

Looking at the life of Cassandra O'Neal today it is remarkable to think of all that she has accomplished at this point in her life. Her musical resume includes working with artists such as Pink, 98 Degrees, Avant, Chante Moore, Mary J. Blige and Macy Gray, yet it is her recent work with Prince as part of the New Power Generation that has had people talking over the past couple of years.

Through it all, Cassandra has remained true to herself, allowing her deep sense of gratitude to guide her. In our phone conversation for the music issue of Conversations it was hard not to see that what she has been able to do has not changed who she credits for it all.

Growing up in the church as a preacher's daughter, Cassandra was always around music. At the age of five she was playing the piano, learning to imitate her mother. As she became more aware of what she was able to do, it was easy to decide where she wanted her gifts to take her.

"My goal was to play for a big name pop artist," she said to me. And that she has done and so much more, yet Cassandra is quick to let you know that she is not defined what what she does. "I will never be Hollywood," she says. "My focus is on the music I am creating. I want you to hear me. That's how I stay grounded. I am a person who just wants to make good music."

With the roller coaster ride that she finds herself on today moving from shows, rehearsals and public appearances, I was curious as to how she finds the time to take it all in. "You pick your moments to savor it," she explains. "Whether it's in the dressing room or after the night is over. I make sure I take that little moment and exhale."

Cassandra is also aware of how her music is affecting others. She refers to it as a "gift" that is "a blessing" to share. As in any other field there are pitfalls and haters to deal with, but her focus is making sure that she is doing all that is possible to let her light shine.

Since she was raised in the church I thought it was appropriate to ask her how faith has played a role in her life since being involved in the entertainment industry. She answered this way: "I have never gotten into drugs, drinking or any of the other traps out there. I'm not perfect, but I know that I would be nothing without my faith. I have made it this far by staying true to my beliefs and morals. My success is all God."

We ended the conversation by addressing another issue that we've been tacking recently in Conversations Magazine: the way that the internet has changed the way we listen to and get our music. "Everything has its pluses and its minuses," Cassandra says. "The internet has changed the game. No doubt about it. As artists we need to stand together and support each other. Our biggest investment should be in ourselves."

Confident, talented and aware of her inner strength and purpose, Cassandra O'Neal is more than just another part of a competitive industry. She represents the very best of all of us that strive to use our gifts to be of benefit to others.

Find out more about Cassandra by joining her Facebook fanpage at www.facebook.com/cassyqtkeys or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cassyqtkeys.