Artist Corner

Quickjams caught up with one of 5line records recording artists, Joey Keys. We asked him a few questions about his life and career, to get a glimpse of what makes him such an iconic artist…
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Q. What made you choose ‘Joey Keys’ as a recording name?

A. Well, I was given the name when I first started producing, I was known for my instrumentals heavily based around pianos. Anyway, I ran with it for a little while and soon enough more and more people found out about it to the point where I can’t get rid of it. It’s to the point where parents refer to me as Joey Keys, and friends forget my last name, hahaha.
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Q. What gave you the inspiration to write music?

A. As a kid and even now, I always had a problem expressing myself, to the point where I needed a creative outlet. From there, I just took my life and used it as the tool to express myself through art. The way my brain works wouldn’t let me express myself normally, I attain the world around me in an absurd manner, so being an artist just kinda’ worked out.
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Q. What kind of ideas or expressions do you try to convey with your work?

A. I approach songs differently every time. I like to rap about my life experiences or things I seen in other peoples lives. I am really all over the place, I can be dark, celebratory or inspirational. However, one thing I’d never do, is be cliché.
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Q. Is there a central idea behind all of your work, or is it random?

A. I always want the listener to get something out of it. I always try to impact the listener with a idea or motif I really believe in. Try and make someone think, or just lead them away from reality for a little while to vibe. Generally there is not a large motif that each and every track shares but, I don’t quite think they’re random.
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Q. Do you have any tracks you are proud of, that people should know about?

A. Of what I have released so far, I really love ‘Sky Touching’, ‘Stay Free’, and ‘Back to My Rootz.’ However, everything I am going to release on my mixtape I really enjoyed making and I am proud of.

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Q. If there was one thing you could say to all your fans out there, what would it be?

A. I really appreciate all the love and support everyone gives me, without it, I am literally a nobody. So thank you all and keep chasing your dreams.

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~Still interested? Check out these sites to find more!:

www.facebook.com/WhoIsJoeyKeys
www.reverbnation.com/joeykeys
www.myspace.com/joeykeyz
www.joeykeys.info

For all you unsigned aspiring artists out there we have a bone for you. Check out www.5linerecords.com - They can help you get signed, noticed and motivated about your work. No matter what your interest in music is, these guys can help. We talked to the owner of 5linerecords and asked him why 5line is such an important place and how someone like you can get involved with the action…

Q. Why sign almost anyone to a label?

A.  Because everyone deserves a chance. See most labels out there just go with whoever is the most   popular and can make them the most money. We don’t operate like this, we are a family and stick together. All music is music, regardless of how good or how bad some think.

Q. Why should an aspiring artist choose 5linerecords to sign with?

A. We give every artist equal opportunity with no criticism. They do not have to worry about being forced to change or do something they’re not comfortable with just to serve an “image”. We offer services just the same as other labels do and we work with the artist every day to meet their goals in a friendly and helpful way.

Q. What kind of ideas or expressions do you tell aspiring artists to convey with their music?

A. Go with what makes you happy. Use any emotion you have felt or are feeling and then capture that emotion and express it to the fullest. If your goal is to cover trance music and you want ambience, simply take a really uplifting moment of your life to cover the trance portions and then a very down to earth or settling moment to cover your ambient section. Work on these and start creating melodies and gathering inspiration from our other artists or songs.

Q. Who are some artists on 5linerecords that people should know about?

A. ShootingStar, Gravey, Joey Keys, Aeris. These are the titans of the label and the ones who have been with us since day one never backing down, never giving up, always moving forward to help us with our goals and aspirations. These guys are very gifted, as are all our artists, and have really pushed the limits doing whatever they can to help.

Q. I am a music enthusiast, how can I get involved with 5line?

A. Well 5Line is a network, not only a music label, where we are working towards a common goal to spread our expertise, offer help, and so much more. All you have to do ask and we would love to involve almost anyone in our network.

Q. What’s the deal with 24/7 radio, can I make requests from specific artists?

A. The live radio was set in place for mainly 5Line artists songs only, now with the growing requests anyone can upload their own songs directly to our auto-dj center and have their songs played live in a loop with hundreds of other songs. You can get shout outs to friends, Request songs, Live Chat, and a lot more. Just the best way to bring everyone together.

Q. If there was one thing you could say to all the music lovers out there, what would it be?

A. Never give up your dream. Everyone can make it. Whether you make ten dollars or millions, do it for the love not the fame or money. Don’t forget who helped you or where you came from. Become heard.

Combining American rock with UK influenced melodies, Halo Stereo is leaving crowd after crowd begging for more. The band incorporates samples and synthetics to give depth and vigor to its already edgy rock sound. Halo Stereo’s songs are streamlined to hit the listener hard with a sound they won’t forget. They cut out the fluff and go straight for the hearts and souls of the listeners.

The band was formed in 2002 by front man Andrew Fry and bassist Jody Hicks. The two grew up near Huntsville, AL and played in a number of local bands. After high school, Andrew and Jody moved to Nashville, TN where they met up with drummer Brian Meeks and Guitarist, Nathan McDonald. With all the members now in place, Halo Stereo began its rise to musical excellence.

In 2006 Halo Stereo released their impressive self-titled debut with Grammy award winning producer Bill Cuomo. Two years later Halo Stereo released “The Invisible War,” which garnered them wider attention. These great albums, along with their unforgettable live performances and increasing radio play are taking Halo Stereo to a new level.

Halo Stereo’s unique sound is making believers out of critics and professionals alike. Winners of several awards, including FUSE TV’s “Unsigned Artist of the Month” and Budweiser’s “Band of the Year,” Halo Stereo’s fame is ever growing. With the corporate muscle ICM Sync now behind them, Halo Stereo’s music has been featured on A&E’s “The Cleaner” and the CBS show “Three Rivers” as well as iPhone game “Tap Tap Revenge” which has sold over 15 million downloads.

This year the Halo Stereo will play perform in the USO showcase tour, the Red Gorilla Music Festival, and the European Music Days festival held in Paris, France.

For more information on Halo Stereo, visit: www.halostereo.com. For downloads and more check out: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-invisible-war/id279587128.

We got a chance to talk to Stay and get their take on writing music. Take a look at what they had to say and be sure to check out their new music video Maddie kthx!

Q. What made you choose ‘Stay’ as a band name?

A. The name ‘Stay’ is actually the name of a song by The Temptations.

Q. Who are some musicians or bands that give you inspiration to write music?

A. We’re influenced by all styles of music. Some of our favourite bands are Blink 182, Jimmy Eat World, and Brand New. We’re also really diggin’ that new chick Kesha with her song “Tik Tok”…we’ve definitely been rocking out to that a lot lately!

Q. What kind of ideas or expressions do you try to convey with your work?

A. All of our songs are written and based upon personal experiences that we’ve had throughout playing out in the band or just life in general. We basically just write about how we feel at a particular time.

Q. Many times, artists use movies and current events as inspiration to write. Is that true for Stay?

A. I don’t think we have really written a song because of a movie or current event, but a lot of our songs relate to daily life growing up in today’s world. We like to think that people of all ages can relate to our music, whether you’re a kid in high school or a college student. We like to have fans and supporters of all ages.

Q. What is the story behind your new music video Maddie kthx?

A. Our new music video for “Maddie kthx” is obviously heavily based upon the context of the song. The song basically describes a relationship that you have with someone, but it’s sort of ruined by the presence of alcohol. In other words, a girl that only calls you up when she’s drunk haha. We feel like that’s a common situation that a lot of kids experience especially in high school and college. We just wanted to make a fun music video, there actually wasn’t a lot of planning pertaining to it, it was sorta more random and improvised which is what gives it a true realistic feel. All of the footage is real and we hope that a lot of kids can relate to it. We worked with producer/director Shane Nelson (Motion City Soundtrack, Sing It Loud, NOFX). He is the man and was awesome to work with! It was a blast.

Q. If there was one thing you could say to all your fans out there, what would it be?

A. We would LOVE to thank everyone who supports us and gives us a chance; it seriously means the world to us! None of this would be possible without support from others. Be sure to check out the new music video for “Maddie kthx” and hit us up on MySpace/Facebook – we always do our best to respond to everyone! Thanks to Quickjams.com for this great interview opportunity!

Katie Marino was born to be a performer.  Dancing by the age of three, Katie had dreams of being a classical ballerina and studied with prestigious schools such as the Houston Ballet, American Ballet Theater, and the Royal Academy of Dance.  However, Katie sought to expand her horizons and once she began to take piano and vocal lessons, she realized her true calling was songwriting and performance.

With her standout vocals and soulful delivery, Katie has been able to enchant audiences everywhere.  She has performed all over the United States, touring with Jessica Simpson and Rascal Flatts as a background vocalist.  As a result, she has gained much exposure to television shows and world famous venues, appearing with Jessica Simpson on The Late Show with David Letterman, Dancing with the Stars, The View, Good Morning America, The Early Show, and Ellen DeGeneres, as well as performing at Madison Square Gardens and The Grand Ole’ Opry in addition to other landmarks.

However, performing is not her only strong suit.  Katie has already been given the opportunity to master the recording studio. Under the tutelage of multi platinum producer Donald “XL” Robertson Jr. and other successful producers including Gorden Campbell and Matt LaPoint, Katie has written and co-produced many songs.  Her song “Run Away” hit the #1 spot on MSN Music and her music has also reached the ears of XBOX players around the world with a song on the Project Gotham Racing 2 Soundtrack.  In addition, Katie has placed music on various television shows including Making the Band 4 (MTV), America’s Next Top Model (CW), and Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane (E!).  She also wrote, co-produced, and recorded a song for the film I See You starring Roseanna Arquette and Bo Bridges, and her voice has been heard on numerous national and international commercials for Barbie, Myscene, and Lil’ Bratz Dolls.

Katie is a strong believer in philanthropy, using the power of her voice to make a difference in the community.  She has been involved with

A.W.A.R.H.E. (Artists Wanting AIDS and HIV Related Education) and with five other artists performed throughout the United States and Canada to help spread AIDS awareness.  She also performs annually at Magic Johnson’s Kid Mardi Gras, an event to provide underprivileged youth a fun-filled memorable day.

Quickly gaining momentum, there is no stopping Katie Marino.  With her sultry vocals, beauty, and philanthropic ways, Katie Marino looks to take the music world by storm.

Be sure to visit Katie’s MySpace page and check out her tunes ~ http://www.myspace.com/katiemarino.

Born and raised in Miami, Fl., Young D-Low is the new generation of the South. Straight out of Miami Northwestern Senior High, he’s been perfecting his skills to let the world know he is the one. Young D-Low has the swagg, the flow and the image people across the board will gravitate to. To add to his roster of talent, his dancing skills far out-weigh most rappers in the industry giving a real stage performance that people will rush to see. Young D-Low’s new hit single, “Put My Swagg On It” has created a strong buzz and people are calling in requesting like no tomorrow. It’s a priority club banger for the ladies. Other hits from his up and coming album are “Jook’n”, the street anthem “What It Is”, and “I Don’t Know Who 2 Choose” (another cut the ladies will download around the clock).

Young D-Low will change the way the industry sees Miami and he will take the music from Miami around

the world for all to hear, vibe, dance, and see. Every performance has been met with strong acceptance. He has ripped the stages at Tuckers Open Mic Nite, Americraft  Expo Center, Winter Bling Concert at Broward Regional Park , EL Palacio Hotel off the Palmetto - New Year’s Eve Performance, Nova University 88.5fm Radio Interview with DJ First, Loren Roberts Park, Liberty City MLK Parade & Festival on 97.7fm Stage, Club Boulevard, Gwen Cherry Park for The Willis McGahee Jump Off Charity Event, I Got Plenty Money Car Show” at Central Broward Regional Park (state rd 7 & sunrise blvd).

Performing Live at Forever 21 1060 NE 79TH STREET CSWY, Dade County Youth Fair,  The Miami Teens Apollo, Ft. Myers Concert, I Get Plenty Money Concert at Broward Regional Central Park, The Core DJs Retreat Showcase (Entire Event - 4/24-27/09), The Brown Sugar Festival,  Marlins Hotel on South Beach, The James L. Knight Center in Downtown Miami and the National Guard Amory. Club RENDEZUOUS, Iguana’s. The easiest way to say how he did is simply, get ready for Young D-Low because he wants you to put your swagg on it no matter what it is that you do, just do it good!

Inside We Die is a metal band that resides in the canton/massillon area. They play heavy metal, but are not afraid to take it a bit softly as well, and to a unstoppable crushing extreme. Though the band has not been in the Scene very long, they have definitely left there mark very quickly, playing shows with the likes of Flaw,(Foundation), and Forever in Terror. As well as a lot of great local acts. The band Started as Matt Bey and Scott Krach, in Matt’s basement (also known as the Plastic Room for serial killers…) Between the two of them they had well over 30 songs, and were ready to do up some shows.

There was an unfortunate event and Scott passed away. Matt, being a very determined man decided he was to continue on the band name. He then talked to a good friend of his, Erin McCallin, also a local guitarist, and asked him if he wanted to help him start working on some new material. Soon they recruited Rick Tourney (drums) and Eric “The Goat” Smith (vocals). They hit the scene hard doing shows every other week, to doing shows every week, In Canton,Ohio, to Youngstown also in Ohio.

It was now time to step it up, So Matt and Erin decided they needed a drummer and singer who could

handle the duties that where necessary for the new material. They had to part ways with Rick and Eric to find more suitable band mates. Rick and Eric will always be friends with the band, and we wish them well in what they want to do. Now, Matt Bey (bass) Erin McCallin (lead guitar) joe n.and ricky raceyset out to take over the metal scene playing every style from Breaking Benjamin and Tool to Metallica, Meshuggah,Death, and Decide…. Come to a show an check us out, we are sure everyone will love it!

For more information and to see more about Inside We Die check out their myspace: www.myspace.com/metaliwdcom for a sample of their music!