CONTRIBUTORS

ANNA KROUPINA / JUNIOR EDITOR

With a degree in Journalism under her belt, Anna Kroupina has been with The Vocalist Magazine since September 2013. Suffering from a severe case of wanderlust, Anna lives to travel and relishes finding new adventures around the world. Having a plethora of interests, her time is spent between working as a cosmetician, volunteering at an animal shelter, playing video games and sweating it off at the gym. She always sees the glass as half-full and aspires to one day learn a fifth language. Also, if you don’t like cats, she will fight you.

MELISSA SIMBOLI-GIBBS / WRITER
Nineteen year-old Melissa Gibbs has been with The Vocalist Magazine since the Summer of 2014 and has since then gotten the chance to meet and speak with many talented people about music. Being a creative person since childhood, she’s been studying Literature at Dawson College and never goes anywhere without her Canon dslr, her ipod and a note- book. Working at The Vocalist Magazine has helped her grow as a writer and open doors as a journalist.

MALIK SHAHEED / INTERVIEWER
Hails from Montreal, Canada. He is an accom- plished TV host, reporter, producer and ce- lebrity interviewer; youth advocate; music re- cording artist and party/event promoter. – On camera interviews with the following stars: Eminem, Sean Paul, Puff Daddy, LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, DMX, Jay Z, Pink, L’il Kim, Destiny’s Child, Usher, Master P, Wyclef Jean & Snoop Dogg. Hosting Concert & Events : Emi- nem, Fugees, 98 Degrees, IAM, Jay Z, DMX, Roots Canada & Tommy Hilfiger

KALIKA HASTINGS / WRITER
Is a freelance journalist, video producer and editor. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Com- munication Studies. Curiosity and self-reflec- tion have been great motivators behind Ka- lika’s passion for interviewing and listening to the stories of others. Her background in Communications Studies provided her with a foundation for creative expression through a variety of media: written as well as visual. At The Vocalist Magazine, she has been fortu- nate to have interviewed an array of talented artists and professionals in the music industry.

NANA O YEBOAH / WRITER
Is a freelance journalist, video producer and editor. She holds a Holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours in English Language and Literature w/ Minor in Wom- en’s Studies from Carleton University and Is in fanalizing a Masters Degree in Journalism Studies – She is a Research Assistant at Con- cordia University and a CSI Staff and Union Representative at Carillion Canada Inc.

ANDY FIDEL – WRITER
Is a freelance journalist, video-photographer and editor: a content creator. She lives and works in Montreal but comes from the south of France, Toulouse, aussi surnommée la « ville rose ». Fidel is in pursuit of a career that combines journalism and the latest social media platforms, photography and videogra- phy. Infographics and the classic elements of storytelling. Fidel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and a Graduate Diploma in Journalism from Concordia University

TIFFANY THOMPSON
WRITER / HOST / INTERVIEWER
Is currently completing her bachelor’s degree at Concordia University in Human Relations with a minor in Marketing. She is a visionary, a humanitarian and hopes to empower, entertain and inspire those around her by actively chasing her dream of becom- ing a TV host. Presently she is a video jour- nalist and is passionate about interviewing individuals that intend to leave an impact on people’s lives which is exactly what she hopes to do by working in media

KHEANNA WALTER / PRODUCER / WRITER
Is currently KHEANNA WALTER / PRODUCER / WRITER her bachelor’s degree at Concordia University is a communications student at Concordia University who has an enormous passion for journalism and the entertainment world. Aspiring to one day be a TV host, she thrives in finding new challenges and adven- tures that will bring her closer to her desired career. Always holding a camera in her hand, capturing moments has always been one of her guilty pleasures. She loves film, video, mu- sic, food, sports and dancing. Being a huge house music lover from Montreal, she will al- ways go that extra mile to squeeze in Piknic Electronique on Sundays.

CLAIRE LOEWEN – WRITER / HOST / INTERVIEWER
is a very journalism student at Concordia University. Though in a
textual specialization, she has greatly enjoyed the opportunity of doing broadcast journalism with The Vocalist Magazine on such segments as ‘Get Featured’ and ‘Icon Countdown,’ and multiple on-camera artist interviews. Claire enjoys writing, swimming, walking around the Plateau and thrift shopping

CRISTINA SANZA / WRITER / HOST / INTERVIEWER
is a very journalism student at Concordia University. Though in a
is studying both writing and broad- cast at Concordia University. Growing up, she was fascinated by the world of pop culture and that quickly translated into a passion for entertainment news and music. Being a mu- sician herself, she is constantly on the hunt for new music and ideas. She began vocal lessons at 11 years old and has been writing songs all of her life. When she is not recording music in the comfort of her own make-shift studio, she can be found on her bike roaming around the park or going for an exhilarating run. Despite her love for fitness activities, she enjoys chocolate just a little too much, and is often eating one too many pieces at a time. She currently writes for several publications.

MORTEZA YAHOO
VIDEOGRAPHER / CAMERAMAN
is a very journalism student at Concordia University. Though in a
is studying both writing and broad- cast at Concordia University. Grois a freelance documentary director, video editor and videographer since 2002. He has worked a plethora of projects, from historical and industrial documentaries, music videos and promotional videos. Proficient with Final Cut Pro X & Adobe Premiere Pro and Sony Vegas Pro. In-depth knowledge of video production, post production, compressing, codecs, as- pect-ratios and bitrates.

LYLIANE COULOMBE / ASSISTANT COORDINATOR / PHOTOGRAPHER
After three years of hard work and determina- tion, Lyliane has graduated from Université de Montréal with a degree in Science of Commu- nication with a specialization in Media. She is now the assistant coordinator and photogra- pher for The Vocalist Magazine. Life is easygo- ing around her. She is passionate and colour- ful. She has a particular love for big romantic Hollywood productions.

SUMBUL VALLANI /WRITER / HOST / INTERVIEWER
is a 21-year-old journalism graduate with a minor in law from Carleton University in Ottawa, ON. Raised in Vancouver, BC Sumbul’s passion for writing sparked in her early high school years. After obtaining her her degree, she is now further exploring the field of television broadcast journalism. Some of her interests include reading horror novels, devouring desserts and taking snap- shots around the city with her camera. Down the line Sumbul hopes to establish a career in film and wants to produce short films or docu- mentary-style movies.

AMANDA VITARO
VIDEOGRAPHER / WRITER / HOST / INTERVIEWER
As both a writer and music enthusiast, Amanda is an avid believer in the power of words, song, and media. Driven by the stories that make up our shared humanity, Amanda is currently pursuing a double BA in Communication Studies and Journalism, as well as a minor in English Literature at Concordia University. Through her knowledge and her passion, Amanda strives to inspire and flavor the pop culture scene.

MICHEAL RYAN MERNIN
WRITER / HOST / INTERVIEWER
is a literature student at McGill Univer- sity who hails from Montclair, New Jersey. He has lived in Montreal for three years, and is lucky to have heard an amount of the mu- sic here, and to have discovered some of the musical history. His other interests include movies, camping, and the piano. He is a jour- nalist for the Vocalist Magazine.

JARED HILLEL / VIDEOGRAPHER / CAMERAMAN/WRITER / HOST / INTERVIEWER
Combining his passion for music and talking, Currently studying Communications at Daw- son College, Jared speaks to artists who are from Montreal or are here to perform. His laid back style leads to a flowing conversation and fun environment, resulting in interesting inter- views. He aspires to one day have his own talk show.

SIMONE PAGEAU-TIMAR/ VIDEOGRAPHER / CAMERAWOMAN/ WRITER
Recently graduated from the Cinema, Video, Communications at Dawson College, Simone’s passions include all layers of filmmaking from writing to editing. She aspires to study film production at the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema next year.

LILLIAN CHEUNG
VIDEOGRAPHER / CAMERAWOMAN
raised in Montreal, has graduated from Concordia University with a Specialization in Film Pro- duction in 2014. One of her student films was screened at the 5th edition of the In- ternational Random Film Festival in Gdynia, Poland. During the completion of her de- gree, she has worked with Cinema Politica and is currently interning for the Vocalist Magazine, filming and editing interviews, behind the scenes and web series. When she isn’t glued to a computer screen or a camera creating content or doing freelance work, she enjoys being active, teaching fit- ness at the YMCA and doing synchronized swimming recreationally.