J. Rice: Creating Music Listeners Can Feel

by Cyrus Webb

There are a lot of recording artists out there that sing, but not all of them can make you feel something in the process. J. Rice is one of those that can.

With over 26 million views of his videos on Youtube, he is definitely enjoying the attention that artists like him want when it comes to something that they love. What really makes it impressive, however, is that he is actually sharing something genuine along the way. 

When I was introduced to his new sing "Thank You For The Broken Heart", it was obvious that he was not only talented but had something that was sure to strike a chord with music lovers of all genres. After reaching out to his camp I was able to get an interview with him on Conversations LIVE, and it was there that we had a chance to talk about the road he has traveled, what inspires him and what he has learned that he now shares with others.

J. RICE ON THE POWER OF MUSIC:
"Music has showed me how big the world is. Growing up in the U. S. you sometimes think that is it. When you begin to hear from other places you realize how small where you are  when compared to the rest of the world. It's really a cool feeling to hear from someone in the Philippines and from people who can connect with lyrics that I wrote and feelings I felt. If it helps them in some way that's even better."

J. RICE ON HIS BEGINNINGS IN MUSIC:
"I just knew I wanted to do it, and I was going to do whatever it took. After high school I started writing with a friend of mine. I wasn't excited about college. I knew it was not what I was passionate about, so I made a decision to focus fully on music. Took them (my parents) a while to come around and believe that I didn't make a mistake. They believed in me. That was a hard decision, but I'm glad I made it."

J. RICE ON THE REWARDS OF FOLLOWING YOUR PASSION:
"So excited that it can work. It definitely makes the reward sweeter. I tell everyone find what you're passionate about and go after it. It's hard to make those decisions sometimes when you have an opportunity put in front of you and you don't know if it's the right one. The important thing is to keep moving on. You have to remember that if you want something to happen you have to make it happen on your own. I'm not going to be the reason why I fail or don't make it."

J. RICE ON STAYING TRUE TO HIMSELF:
"My mom taught me a lot of lessons growing up. Number 1 was to stay humble, never expect things to be given to you. If you want something you have to work for it.

"I never craved to be a super star. My main goal was just to be able to live off of music and be happy.  I believe what I'm saying and singing about, and people can feel that. I want to be able to write songs that help people heal."

It's difficult not to talk with J. Rice and not get excited about the possibilities that life has to offer. Before ending our conversation I asked him for his final words of encouragement for anyone with a dream. His answer? "Just do it. Start today. There is nothing that you're going to regret if you're passionate about something. Everyone has some kind of talent. It might take some time in your life to find it, but once you do you'll know. If you have to make some sacrifices along the way, that's the price you have to pay." 

I couldn't have said it better myself.

J. Rice's single THANK YOU FOR THE BROKEN HEART is available for you wherever you purchase your music. Stay in contact with him on Facebook and Twitter (www.twitter.com/jricemusic). You can also visit his Youtube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/jriceproductions .

Eliza Smith: Using Music to Replace Fear with Faith

by Cyrus Webb

Sometimes it takes a tragedy to cause us to look at our lives and where we are in the world a little differently. That was surely the case for Eliza Smith.

Singing was something she loved and with her brother as her biggest cheerleader she had made a goal of pursuing it. With he passed away at the age of 17 Eliza knew that she had to keep going not just for herself but for his memory and all that he was to continue as well.

"It's been absolutely amazing," Eliza told me during our conversation when I asked her about what it has been like to share her musical gift with the world. "For me this is what I am meant to do." She went on to say that she knew this was always what she was meant to do, and for the past ten years she has been doing just that.

When talking about her brother and the impact he had on her career as a musician, it is obvious the two are intertwined. Forming a non- profit organization called the “Ride Free Community Association.” Eliza has put on several benefit concerts in a span of the past few years to raise money to build a skate park on Gabriola Island, British Columbia, the very place where her brother and her spent hours skateboarding. "He was supportive of the music I made," she told me. "That is why I am so dedicated. Giving up on music would be like I was giving up on him."

After listening to some of Eliza's music I told her I felt as though she was in a unique position to capture the emotions of those who would hear her. "When I write something it's personal, but you want to be able to touch people and get them to relate to it," she told me. "If I can do that for people in any way I think my job (as an artist) is done."

Music is something special for Eliza. "This isn't what I do," she says. "It's who I am. If I try to be somebody I'm not it's not going to work. I realized that I'm at my best when I am just being myself."


Social media had done wonders for her journey to share her music with the world as well. "The way the world works now is the internet," she says. "The majority of the opportunities I have gotten have been because of my constantly promoting myself." The worldwide web has been the centerpiece of that promotion.

The lesson? "You have to believe in yourself," Eliza says to anyone with a dream or a vision. "No matter what, you are going to have doubters. For years I felt I was fighting for everything.  All I had was myself. Who knows where I'd be if I had given up. If this is something you really want to do, you have to find out every aspect around it." 

Stay in contact with Eliza Smith on Twitter at @elizasmithmusic. To discover her music and what's coming up for her visit www.elizasmusic.com.

The Reintroduction of Willie Taylor

by Cyrus Webb

Music lovers around the world got to first know Willie Taylor with the formation of the R&B group Day 26 in August 2007, but the music that was burning inside of him began long before the reality show that introduced him and the group. It was something that was always meant to come out.

Now as a solo artist with two successful mixtapes under his belt (SEXTAPE and THE REINTRODUCTION OF WILLIE TAYLOR) the man who is Willie Taylor is allowing the music and passion he has to speak for him.

Over the past few years I have interviewed Willie a total of four times. One thing that has always struck me was his ability to not only think for himself but make the case for his career better than anyone else could. At a time when popular music is not always good music, he has managed to give his fans a combination of both.

WILLIE TAYLOR ON THE LOVE OF HIS FANS: "It is still amazing to me how they have always been there, from Day 26 to now when I am doing my own thing. They are the people who keep me going. Just to know that they rock with me means alot.  It just feels great to have their support."

WILLIE TAYLOR ON HIS INTRODUCTION: "This is my time to let you know exactly who I am as an individual. When you listen to my music I want you to be able to say 'I know exactly where he's at. I understand.' This my being able to make a clean slate and let my words and talent speak for me.I'm a fan of my music first. I expect everyone else will love it the way I do."

WILLIE TAYLOR ON WHAT KEEPS HIM GOING: "I have so much more to give. Yes, I'm completely excited about the success I have had up to this point, and I could have stopped...but that's not me. When I do stop I want to have really made my mark on music. When I am long gone I want people to be singing my music and remember who I am. The truth is I can't stop until I give them (my fans) all that I got."

 "I have an insane work ethic and an incredible drive. I never see myself failing so I never fail. It's like I really believe I'm going to win. Once that's in my mind I don't do anything that won't allow me to win. I always see myself winning."

WILLIE TAYLOR ON THE GIFT: "I want people to know the gift. I am a true believer in God and a true artist. My work ethic will outdo my talent any day. I'm a talented individual, but I work so hard. That's why I I am not going to stop. I'm a believer in myself, and I want you all to believe in me as well. I'm a well rounded artist and business man. I want to be a household name.  I want you to say that the name Willie Taylor means something That's what I'm working towards. "

THE REINTRODUCTION OF WILLIE TAYLOR includes the hit songs INSTAGRAM YA BODY featuring Jeremih, NOT MINE featuring Dondria and the new single OVER featuring Tank". I asked Willie what it is like to have artists that he respects co-signing his career by appearing on his new project. "It's humbling to me," he says. "The fact that they believe in me and the music says a lot. It's all love."

No matter what he does musically moving forward Willie Taylor is definitely going to be making his mark on the industry. As his star continues to rise he gives this advice for those artists coming up after him: "When it comes to music I want you to stay true to yourself. Don't feel like you have to follow the trends. Remember you have to love it first. When you love it your audience will love it. Most of all trust in God and work hard. Make sure you put your all into it."

Stay in contact with Willie through his Twitter page at www.twitter.com/willietaylor as well as his label Noivak Music website www.noivakmusic.com.

Young Dinero:Staying True to the Grind & Himself

by Cyrus Webb

Over the past year I have interviewed over 200 recording artists on Conversations LIVE the radio show and for Conversations Magazine and few have the drive, determination and passion of Ice Age recording artist Young Dinero.

From the first time I spoke with him you could tell that he was excited not just for the success he was garnering for his music but just to be doing what he loved so much.

When I asked him about the way his career has taken off, Young Dinero was humble in his response. "It's like a blessing," he told me. "It's all about hard work and dedication. I'm just staying focused and trying to make good music."

The seriousness he has for music began some 2 1/2 years ago . "That's when I really began taking music seriously," he says "I wanted the world to hear me and know who I was. I wanted them to get something real and to show that there are some young, smart rappers out there who are doing something positive."

Without a doubt Young Dinero is showing others that you can succeed at your dreams, but it's not just about getting another hit. He wants to give something to those who listen as well. "When I get in the booth I look to create something that others can be motivated by,"he says. And motivating people is something that he does quite well. Either through his Twitter page or videos on Youtube he is never more than a social media site away.

Those fans are not just listening to Young Dinero and following his career. He is listening to them as well, and that has provided it's own inspiration. "When I hear back from the fans it let's me know I am on the right path," he told me. "Because they are hearing it from me they are getting to know who the real Young Dinero is."

Talking about things being "real", when I asked the artist what it was like to be a part of the Ice Age family he told me "it's crazy" and "epic". "I have always been a fan of Mike Jones," Young Dinero told me. "Mike saw my grind," and that grind has led to his being a part of one of the South's most notable record labels.

When asked what advice he has for those artists coming up the ranks or anyone with a dream, Young Dinero says this: "Don't be afraid to be yourself."

Keep up with Young Dinero and his project FACE YOUR FEARS on Twitter at www.twitter.com/youngdinerola and on Youtube at www.youtube.com/dineroshow. You can also follow Ice Age on Twitter at www.twitter.com/iceageent and Mike Jones at www.twitter.com/mr_mike_jones.

Sahyba:Pop's New Princess Reveals Herself

by Cyrus Webb

Sometimes you just know a star when you see one. It's something about the way they carry themselves that tells you that no matter what they choose to do they are going to be successful. When it comes to pop princess Sahyba, she has only to open up her mouth and sing for you to know that you are looking at the future of popular music.

Signed to chart-topping recording artist (and fellow Mississippi native) Ray J's Knock Out Entertainment, the teenager with a big voice and the world before her is already making sure that you never forget who she is. At the time we were going to print with this music issue you could hear her infectious single MARCO POLO (Where You At?) being shared among music lovers and even being played on the hit VH1 show Basketball Wives.

With such talent and endless possibilities you might expect Sahyba to be anything but approachable. That is not the case.

She loves her fans, and her fans truly love her, communicating with the pop princess on social sites like Facebook and Twitter as well as gravitating to her live performances. In my conversation with her we talked about her beginnings, sharing her gift and her advice for all of you.

SAHYBA ON SINGING:
"Ever since I was 5 I loved to sing and dance and entertain people. Singing makes me really happy. Everyday I try to improve my talent, because singing is what I want to do for the rest of my life."

SAHYBA ON HER FANS:
"I never thought that my music would reach out to so many fans so quickly. For me to be an inspiration it is a blessing and really humbles me. They believe in me, so if I can influence someone to chase their dreams as I am living mine that would be a huge blessing for me."

SAHYBA ON WORKING WITH RAY J:.
"Being the 1st pop artist signed to Ray J and Knock Out Entertainment motivates me to work harder and make sure that I put out my best music, being the best that I can be. I never want to give up."

SAHYBA ON MARCO POLO (Where You At?)
"The game of Hide and Seek inspired the song. I started thinking about my finding someone and it being a great metaphor for the song. It happened so fast. I wrote the song in a day or two, and in less than a week the song was finished."

SAHYBA ON FAMILY:
"My parents work so hard for me . I have gotten so much support from them. I never want to take that for granted. Honestly I don't see my self doing anything else. Having their support has made all of this possible. It's important to find that one person out in the world to be in your corner."

With her voice and positive attitude about life and the future, there is nowhere for recording artist Sahyba to go but up. Look for her to pursue her other goals of acting and modeling as well. She is definitely going to be someone that we are talking about for some time to come.

Stay in contact with her on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/sahyba as well as follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/sahybaforever. Her official website is www.sahyyba.com.

Antoine Dunn: Sharing A Gift You Don't Want To Miss

by Cyrus Webb

It was my second radio interview with the "New Voice of Soul" Recording artist Antoine Dunn, and it was just in time to make it into this issue of Conversations with Music that celebrates living life un-intimidated.

Dunn finds himself in a unique position of not just living out his dreams but inspiring others along the way. The Cleveland, OH native is someone who is not only confident about his gift but determined to use the attention he is garnering to make a difference each day.

In the past year he has seen the video for his single "Can't Forget" debut on BET's 106 & Park as well as sharing the stage with recording artists like Anthony Hamilton and introducing his music to a new audience. In the process he has not wavered in his goal of being the best artist he can be and sharing the gift that has been with him for so long.

It was in middle school that Antoine started getting serious about music. There he was a member of a choir and saw it as an opportunity to do something more with his gift. "I first saw writing as an ability to express myself and to wind down," he shared with me. "It was more an outlet just for me." By high school, though, he began to widen out and express his musical talents with others.

Now his music is being shared with the world and the new single "Miss My Love" is not only enjoying radio play but the attention it so rightly deserves. It's been really fulfilling and eye-opening," he says. "I see myself as being in a position to reach people that I probably wouldn't be able to otherwise. Doing this and being in the public allows you the ability to influence and inspire others."

When I asked him about how he deals with the challenges we all face and those who try to steal our dreams, Antoine said this: "One of the ways I stay focused is that I've never really referred to this as a dream. For me the desires of my heart are goals, and going after those goals keeps me motivated."

Some will listen to Antoine's singles like "Can't Forget" and "Miss My Love" and want to label him as just another R&B singer. That would be a mistake. "For me music transcends genres," he told me "My music incorporates many styles and includes elements from different genres." He says this allow him to reach a larger audience.

As he is performing on stage and sharing his music with audiences both online and in person Antoine told me that he truly believes he is living his purpose. "Their support is confirmation that this is what I was meant to do."


Some artists and individuals that I interview have been hesitate to say they see themselves as role models or take on that responsibility. Antoine Dunn fully embraces it. "Music is so powerful," he says. "People can hear a song and that can be life-changing for them. I love being a role model, because I believe it is part of my responsibility to help point people in the right direction if I can."

One of the main ways Antoine has been able to keep up with his fans and introduce his music has been through social networking sites like Twitter. He uses it to keep in contact those following him and even uploads pictures from his studio sessions and events. For him it helps to build more of a personal relationship with them.

What advice does he give for those looking to break into the industry? "Keep entertaining the possibility," he says. "As long as someone believes it will lead you to where you want to go."

Antoine Dunn's album TRUTH OF THE MATTER is slated to be released in October 2012. Get his singles today on itunes and Amazon.com. Visit his website at www.antoinedunn.com. You can also stay in contact with him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/antoinedunn.

Finding the Courage to Live Life Unafraid

Anyone who has done something great in their life has had to overcome the chains of fear that attempt to weigh us down. You know the feeling: wanting to pursue a goal or dream but not knowing what the outcome will be or even if we will be successful. That feeling can leave you not only feeling helpless but unworthy of anything better than what you have.

In this issue of Conversations with Music I have been able to assemble an amazing roster of recording artist of various genres who have not only been able to achieve something amazing but have done so in a way that it has inspired others to do the same. They were able to find the courage to live life unafraid.

This doesn't mean that they didn't have reservations or were going about their careers not concerned about what could happen. What it does mean is that they weren't going to allow the outcome to stop them from doing anything at all.

Readers of Conversations know that faith is something I talk about a great deal, not just because I believe in it myself but because it shows itself in so many areas of our lives. As you read the profiles in this issue you will see a common theme: every artist was able to get out of their own way and let their gift and their belief in it guide them.

Can you do that? Can you not allow the thoughts of failure keep you from achieving success? If you can, then you will be able to do things that others just dream about.

Our commission in life is all about doing what we can to make the world a better place. There are times it might seem uncomfortable or downright scary, but you can find the courage to live life unafraid and do the very things that are in your heart to do.

Want to share your own story of how you are moving past fear with faith? I would love to hear it! Email me at cawebb4@juno.com or call me at 601.896.5616. Together we can motivate others to see the gift they have to offer and share it with the world.

Happy reading!




Cyrus Webb, Editor-In-Chief
Conversations Magazine/Conversations with Music Magazine/Conversations Model Citizens Magazine