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SEAN GARRETT

On the day of my Sean Garrett interview, I was a wreck. He is responsible for some of the biggest songs of the 21st century, songs I grew up adoring and those that are still in heavy rotation.  I was actually going to speak to the man who created Put It Down by Brandy, Yeah by Usher, Soldier by Destiny’s Child, Enough Cryin by Mary J Blige…and the list goes on!  

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There are few people in the world who have the ability to create some of our favourite songs from scratch but Garrett Hamler, known to the world as Sean Garrett, has the gift.  Nicknamed ‘The Pen’ by none other than Hip Hop royalty himself, Jay-Z.  He has been compared to one of the greatest producers of all time, Sir George Martin (mega producer for a little known boy band called The Beatles who produced 20 number 1 singles in 6.5 years), because of the amount of success Sean has achieved in under a decade, 18 number 1 singles in 8 years. It is no secret that this man has made a name for himself as a certified hit maker but what about his future as a vocalist?  

Sean has made a return to his artist roots, decided to pick up the mic, and give The Vocalist Magazine some insight into his mindset, vocal regime, advice to those trying to make it and everything in-between.

 “…If I could give any advice to the readers it would be to, not only, train your voice, but to train your mind to have a bigger imagination than just the normal perspective of singing.”

TVM:  I have the extreme pleasure of speaking with a man who needs no introduction, Mr. Sean Garrett.  How goes it today Sir?

Sean: I’m doin’ good, I’m doin’ good, nice to meet you.

TVM:  Nice to meet you as well.  Before really getting into the meat of the interview, I think I read somewhere that you speak several different languages.  Just out of curiosity, which ones?

Sean: German, (laughs) for starters.

TVM:  I’m sorry, German?

Sean:  Yes.

TVM:  Wow, that’s awesome.  How do you say hello in German?

Sean:  *Guten tag, wie geht es dir? 

TVM:  Oh, nice. Well, you have achieved a great deal of success in a remarkable amount of time, something like 18 number 1s in 8 years.  You’ve been likened to Sir George Martin, express some of your thoughts on that?  If you can even put that into words. 

Sean:   Well, I’m humbled by the fact that I could be held in conversations with someone like George Martin and other greats.  I just worked really hard and can appreciate the opportunity to even be doing what I’m doing.  It’s a great challenge always to make the entire world think and get them excited, you know what I’m sayin’?  So, I’m just in awe to be compared to someone like that.

TVM: Some, would consider you a multifaceted artist, who pretty much creates records from scratch.  What a lot of people don’t really know is that you were actually signed to your first record deal as an artist, in your teens.  What do you feel was the catalyst for you to begin your incredible career?

Sean:  I think being an artist was one of the catalysts.  You know, as an artist I had the opportunity to learn a lot of the things that I’m able to do.  I wouldn’t be able to go in the studio with various artists, such as a Beyoncé, an Usher, a Fergie or an Enrique Iglesias and be able to come up with these types of records if I was not initially an artist going though the trials and tribulations associated with being an artist.  You have to have doors closing in your face, you have to be told ‘no’, you have to be told you gotta get better, that’s not good enough, etc.  A lot of these things helped me become better at my skill and prepared me for the chances that have come afterwards.  If I wasn’t an artist first, there is no way that I would have accomplished any of the feats that I have accomplished so far.

TVM: Interesting.  Could you tell our readers a little bit more about Sean Garrett the vocalist?  How would you describe your voice?

Sean:  You know, what’s interesting about my voice, is that I was told many times that I couldn’t sing, or people said I had a weird voice and tone, your voice doesn’t match your body, etc.  It  encouraged me to become very focused at coming up with a unique style.  I kind of taught myself how to sing with the influence of my mother, who was a very religious woman who grew up in the church; I grew up overseas but I was just a great fan of music, practically from birth.  Being from Atlanta and growing up abroad diversified my vocal influences.  I listened to everything from The Beatles, Gloria Estefan, New Edition, George Michael, etc who were apart  of learning how to truly appreciate music from different facets of life.  It gave me the opportunity to study different genres, mix different styles, and be creative.  Now, I’m able to use my voice in a variety of ways.  I can hold my own on a stage, in the video, in the studio, in the pop and urban world; you know what I’m sayin’?  I’m very appreciative of having these experiences that I have had, which have made me a lot stronger and a triple threat.

TVM: Right.  Do you have a regular vocal routine? And if so, could you tell TVM a little bit about it?

Sean:  Yeah, I always try to warm my voice up.  I’ve spent a lot of time with vocal coaches.  One of my favourites is Mama Jan, from Atlanta and I’ve spent part of these sessions with her learning different techniques, breathing techniques, warming up my voice through scales and mixing that with different styles.  You know, jumping into different characters, it’s kind of like you add your imagination with the vocal to create a style for those characters and different emotions, it’s like acting.  So, if I could give any advice to the readers it would be to, not only, train your voice, but to train your mind to have a bigger imagination than just the normal perspective of singing.

TVM:  Okay, great advice.  You kind of take a pretty picture and it looks as though you’re not a stranger to the gym.  Do you find a connection between vocal workouts as well as physical ones?

Sean:   Yes, I would definitely say that because it’s all about exercise, it’s all about repetition; you improve with repetition.  Your muscles become a little bit more defined every time they are worked, same thing with your vocal cords.  The more you work them the more flexible they are, the more ability you have to push the boundaries.  So I definitely see a big parallel to working your body out and your voice.

TVM: Hmhmm. What do you feel differentiates you from other vocalists? 

Sean: Well, first of all, I feel I definitely have a unique voice.  As you can hear, my speaking voice can be viewed as fairly deep in comparison to my singing voice, which is a lot sweeter with a distinctive tone to it.  A lot of people think I’m singing in a falsetto when I’m really singing in my full voice.  I feel like it gives me an edge because of the style of my tone and cuts through the type of tracks that I like to sing on.  I can belt, but at the same time I like singing syncopated and melodic; I like mixing the two and I like to be powerful at the same time.  It’s just about exercising, like calisthenics with your voice.  Being able to sometimes romance, sometimes enhance, sometimes throw a power punch…you know, sometimes I wanna finesse you…it’s just the techniques that I choose to use.  On my new single, Anytime feat. The Amigos, 

it’s a sexy sound using my lower register but at the same time there’s a certain kind of sweetness that’s glossed over it.  I think it speaks volumes to certain people that like that sound.

TVM: Right.  Well, for the record I think your speaking voice is also kind of sweet.  Which do you prefer more, recording in the studio or performing live?

Sean:  I like them both because in the studio you’re alone and you can try different things and then when you perfect it in the studio, you can go out and perform it for the fans where you can reap the reward of their reaction to what you worked hard for in the studio.  

TVM:  In terms of performing in front of a live audience, what would you like your fans to take away from your show?

Sean:  I would like my fans to feel like I gave them all I had, that I’ve influenced them to a certain extent, gave them a different perspective of what they thought of a performer like myself; I like to be different, I don’t like to look like anyone else, I don’t wanna be like anyone else.  I enjoy being Sean Garrett; I’m in my own lane.  I feel great about being able to perform my own songs and then play 10 to 12 number 1 records back to back that I did for someone else; you know, that’s an amazing feeling. I know there are not a lot of performers that can do that, so that’s what differentiates me from the pack.

TVM:  Cool. So Sean, how would you describe your own music?

Sean:  I would describe my own music as songs carried by the guy next door.  He’s not just in a shiny suit, he’s not just an entertainer; he brings a different kind of energy than some of my other counterparts that I’ve worked with.  For example, Usher, I think he’s a different type of artist because he’s polished in a different sort of way.  I like wearing my Timberland boots, I like wearing my leather pants and fashionable fly sweatshirts, and I like dressing totally different than what R&B/Pop artists are supposed to dress like.  I like having an edge…I like to draw from Hip Hop a lot because that’s in my soul; it’s in my blood, but I love pop culture too, so I like to mix the two as well as urban culture.  That’s what I like to represent musically.

TVM:  What inspires you to write songs?  Is there a particular song that stands out for you?

Sean:  I mean all of the songs that I do have a place in my heart.  I can’t create or start to create from any other place than one of love so I find love in something; the artist, or in the music, the beat/melody and I start to develop it from there.  I mean love makes people smile, I love to create tracks with a memorable melody, I love to create stories that make people reminisce, or ponder or challenge themselves; love harder and make a point.  A lot of the time my records come from feelings I’m having or something I see others going through that would like to change the ending to.  So often times, I creatively change the ending to how I would like to see it turn out.

TVM: Okay.  Even with all of these new opportunities, you know, Youtube, Myspace, and various singing competitions shows and the like for artists to get their stuff out there, the music industry is still really difficult to break into.  What’s the secret to your success?

Sean:  I just feel like God is one of the most important secrets to my success.  Just remaining humble and remaining patient and waiting for your blessing to come.  A lot of times I feel like you have to be prepared for success and believe that it’s going to happen.  When the opportunity does present itself, if you’re not ready, you will fail.  So practice makes perfect, which is probably one of those common things that your parent or teacher may have told you once or twice (laughs).  People can take that for granted but I never have.  That’s why I’m always learning and striving for perfection within myself and the people that surround me.  You know, it’s not going to be easy, I don’t expect it to be easy and if you chip at anything long enough, it’s hard.

TVM: Very true. You work with a lot of hot, up and coming artists, what advice would you give to any of them or anyone who aspires to stardom?

Sean:   Remain diligent in your process, remain focused on what the prize is and that’s winning, and just being prepared.  Prepare yourself for the win, don’t just fool yourself by thinking you’re gonna just show up and like, cram for the test the night before.  That does work every now and then but it’s not a guarantee.  Being prepared will always guarantee you success, in my opinion.

TVM: Hmhmm..that kinda sounds like something my dad would say (laughs).

Sean:   (Laughs).

TVM:  What projects do you have in the works?  I recall hearing something about a reality show and part two to your mixtape, The Inkwell…

Sean:   Yeah

TVM:  What should we look out for?

Sean:   Yeah, both of those.  My new single, Anytime featuring The Amigos, very excited about that and it’s been going crazy on the internet; it’s only been out five days and it’s been doing remarkably well.  My new reality show is coming, I just finished working on Miley Cyrus’ new album, working on a number of new albums coming out a couple of on the edge people who wanna surprise everybody and working on some endorsement opportunities, movies….just working.

TVM:  Awesome, so you’re going to be everywhere basically.

Sean:  Well, wherever they accept me, where they allow me to go (laughs).

TVM:  (Laughs) Okay, makes sense.  Where does ‘The Pen’ aspire to be in 5 years?

Sean:  Ah, 5 years…I would expect to be approaching legendary status.  Hopefully I would have doubled my number 1’s, right now, I’m at 18 so I’m prepared to be somewhere around 30 or 40… 

TVM:  Wow.

Sean:   In 5 years I’m hoping that I’ve changed the whole secular scope of what people’s expectations are of Sean Garrett ‘The Pen’.

TVM:  Well alright then. I have a feeling that you’ve already changed Pop music now, so I have no doubt that your 5 year plan will happen.  Random question time, if I confiscated your Ipod, what would be the most played track and why?  By played track, I’m talking about those oh so shameful tunes we all love reasoning aside.

Sean:  I would say ahhh…man, I jump around so much you know?  I like A$AP Rocky, of course I love Jay-Z’s new album; I listened to that whole album.  But I also listen to a lot of old music; I like listening to some New Edition, High 5ive, Biggie, Pac, The Beatles…

TVM:  Sean, those are not shameful!

Sean:  Ohh!

TVM:  Like SHAMEFUL songs; you know, the ones you love but keep it on the lows because everyone hates on them but you love them anyway…those ones.

Sean:   Ohh, I know but…let’s see, shameful songs…(pause).  Like some of those songs are kinda shameful, you know, cause everybody has an opinion, so I do know that songs I listen to, not everybody’s gonna like, you know what I’m sayin’? 

TVM:  Yeah.

Sean:  You know, I couldn’t really tell you a song…like, I might enjoy some songs you don’t like and some other people will feel differently.  Shameful is more of an opinion because what I like you might not, you know what I’m sayin’?  I like to listen to everything and I’m not so biased when it comes to people’s art.  I don’t like to judge whether something is bad or good, I just like to enjoy the elements of music.  Everyone has a perspective on things, the Kendrick Lamar album, has mixed reviews but the majority of people really loved it; like when I listened to it, I really loved it…it just depends on your perspective.  I dunno, maybe I’m just…I apologize; I don’t really know how to answer that.

TVM:  That’s alright, we can keep it PC (politically correct), mine is any and everything boybandish.

Sean:   Oohh, (laughs) for real? You like the boyband music?

TVM:  Oh yeah.

Sean:   Oh that’s cool, see, me too.  That’s why I mentioned New Edition.  I like, Nsync..

TVM:  Backstreet Boys..

Sean:  Yeah..I like a couple Justin Bieber songs.

TVM:  Oh no Sean, those aren’t shameful; they’re awesome.

Sean:  (laughs), see, that’s what I mean, some people might say they’re shameful, you know what I’m sayin’?  Some people wouldn’t wanna say they listen to it.

TVM:  (laughs) That’s why I wanna know!

Sean:  (laughs).

TVM:  Thank-you so much for taking the time to speak with us, despite your crazy schedule and we are all in hot anticipation of what comes next from Sean Garrett.

Sean:  Thank-you so much sweetheart, you’ve been great. 

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“Jephte Bastien: Crafting Cinema, Challenging Norms, and Championing Authentic Stories”

Jephte Bastien, a multifaceted director, producer, creator, and editor, has carved a unique path in the film industry. From his humble beginnings in Haiti to his groundbreaking work in cinema, Jephte’s journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and an unyielding passion for storytelling. In a recent interview, Jephte shared insights into his life, inspirations, and the challenges he has faced as a filmmaker.

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Early Beginnings: A Childhood of Creativity

Jephte’s love for storytelling began in his childhood. Growing up in Haiti, he would cut out paper silhouettes, align them with thread, and use a flashlight to project characters onto a makeshift screen. This early form of shadow puppetry allowed him to mimic voices and create stories, laying the foundation for his future in filmmaking. Music also played a significant role in his upbringing. As the seventh of nine boys in a large Christian family, Jephte started singing in church at the age of five. His family’s tradition of entertaining one another—through poetry, singing, and dancing—fostered his creative spirit.

Haiti: A Source of Inspiration

Haiti holds a special place in Jephte’s heart. Despite the media’s often negative portrayal of the country, Jephte describes it as a paradise filled with vibrant culture, music, and natural beauty. His early memories of Haiti are filled with joy—playing games, eating mangoes straight from the trees, and forming lifelong friendships. When his family moved to Canada, Jephte struggled with homesickness and depression. Haiti became a recurring theme in his dreams, a place he would revisit mentally to find solace and inspiration. Even as an adult, he traveled back to Haiti frequently, using the trips to rejuvenate his creative energy.

The Church and Early Questions

Growing up in a religious household, Jephte was deeply involved in the church. However, he began to question the narratives he was taught, particularly the lack of representation of Black people in religious imagery. These early questions about identity and representation would later influence his work as a filmmaker. Jephte’s departure from the church was not a rejection of faith but a search for truth and authenticity in storytelling.

A Journey to New York and Beyond

Jephte’s pursuit of his passion led him to New York in the 1990s, where he studied theater despite his parents’ wishes for him to become a lawyer. This decision marked the beginning of his independent journey. He worked tirelessly to pay for his education, immersing himself in the arts and honing his craft. After returning to Montreal, Jephte faced the harsh realities of the film industry. Despite his talent, opportunities were scarce, especially for a Black filmmaker in the 90s. Determined to tell his own stories, Jephte enrolled in film school, where he began to develop his unique voice.

Breaking Barriers in Filmmaking

Jephte’s career is marked by a series of groundbreaking projects. One of his early successes was editing a music video for the song “Due to the Interest” by Garou. Despite the director’s inexperience, Jephte stepped in to manage the set, ensuring the project’s success. The video became a buzz clip, earning praise from industry heavyweights like Luc Plamondon. However, Jephte’s refusal to accept a $2,000 bonus from the director highlighted his commitment to integrity over financial gain.

In 2003, Jephte produced Haiti Through My Eye,” a docu-series that showcased Haiti’s rich culture and history. The project was a critical success and opened doors for future opportunities, including funding for his feature film Exit 67.” Despite the challenges of securing funding and navigating the industry’s systemic barriers, Jephte remained steadfast in his mission to tell authentic stories.

The Draft: A Powerful Vision

One of Jephte’s most ambitious projects is The Draft,” a film about a young Black hockey player whose dreams are shattered by a brutal act of racism. The story follows his journey as he mentors his younger brother, offering a new paradigm for success. Jephte describes “The Draft” as the most powerful film he has ever written, a project that challenges the status quo and highlights the resilience of marginalized communities.

However, the production of “The Draft” was not without its challenges. Jephte faced significant obstacles, including interference from unions and a lack of support from industry institutions, except Telefilm and Harold Greenberg Fund, who supported the project from the beginning. Despite these hurdles, he remained committed to the project, pouring his own resources and energy into bringing his vision to life.

The Struggles of an Independent Filmmaker

Jephte’s experiences shed light on the difficulties faced by independent filmmakers, particularly those from underrepresented communities. In Canada, the film industry is heavily reliant on government funding, which often comes with strict quotas and limitations. Jephte has faced numerous rejections and setbacks, including being blacklisted by medias after an interview. Despite these challenges, he continues to create, driven by his passion for storytelling and his desire to challenge societal norms.

A Legacy of Resilience

Jephte Bastien’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and creativity. From his early days in Haiti to his groundbreaking work in film, he has remained true to his vision, using his art to challenge stereotypes and inspire change. As he continues to work on “The Draft” and other projects, Jephte’s legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of representation and the enduring power of storytelling.

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Jephte Bastien: The Visionary Filmmaker Behind Exit 67 and The Draft

Whether through his portrayal of gritty urban landscapes or his exploration of the human spirit, Jephte Bastien continues to push the boundaries of cinema. As we await the premiere of The Draft, one thing is certain: Bastien’s journey as a filmmaker is just beginning, and the best is yet to come.

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Jephte Bastien, the award-winning filmmaker renowned for his gripping storytelling and raw cinematic style, is set to captivate audiences once again with his upcoming film, The Draft. Best known for his debut feature film Exit 67, which garnered critical acclaim and won numerous awards, Bastien has established himself as a powerful voice in the world of cinema.

From Haiti to Canada: A Unique Perspective

Born in Haiti and raised in Canada, Jephte Bastien brings a unique perspective to his work, combining the rich cultural heritage of his homeland with the multicultural influences of his upbringing in Montreal. This blend of experiences has given Bastien a distinctive voice in filmmaking, allowing him to explore complex themes of identity, belonging, and the immigrant experience with authenticity and nuance.

Breaking Ground with Exit 67

Bastien burst onto the scene with his first feature film, Exit 67. Released in 2010, the film tells the story of a young man named Jecko, who is caught between the world of street gangs and his desire for a better life. Drawing from his own experiences and the reality of many young immigrants in Montreal, Bastien crafted a gripping narrative that resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. The film’s success earned Bastien a Genie Award, cementing his status as a filmmaker to watch.

The Draft: A New Chapter

With his latest project, The Draft, Bastien is poised to once again capture the imagination of viewers. While details about the plot remain under wraps, the film promises to explore themes of power, corruption, and the human condition—elements that have become hallmarks of Bastien’s work. Set against a backdrop of political intrigue and moral dilemmas, The Draft is expected to be another compelling addition to Bastien’s filmography.

A Filmmaker with a Mission

Beyond his artistic achievements, Jephte Bastien is a filmmaker with a mission. He aims to tell stories that reflect the realities of marginalized communities and challenge societal norms. His films often delve into difficult subjects, shedding light on issues such as crime, poverty, and the immigrant experience, all while maintaining a deep sense of humanity and hope.

Looking Ahead

As Jephte Bastien prepares for the release of The Draft, anticipation is building among fans and critics alike. With his track record of compelling storytelling and his commitment to exploring important social issues, Bastien is sure to deliver another thought-provoking film that will leave a lasting impact.

Whether through his portrayal of gritty urban landscapes or his exploration of the human spirit, Jephte Bastien continues to push the boundaries of cinema. As we await the premiere of The Draft, one thing is certain: Bastien’s journey as a filmmaker is just beginning, and the best is yet to come.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19799652

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3904454

https://www.instagram.com/the_draft_movie

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“Spark Davidson: The Visionary Behind Montreal’s R&B Revolution”

THIS IS THE TRUE STORY OF SPARK AND HIS HUSTLE THAT NEVER STOPS AND NEVER SLEEPS AS HIS DREAMS BECOME REALITIES AND HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THE BIGGEST HE CAN IMAGINE.

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Spark Davidson, a Montreal-based artist, has made significant contributions to the music industry since launching his professional career in 1995. At the age of 28, Spark began managing multiple music groups, including his own R&B ensemble, “Portfolio,” featuring three of Montreal’s most talented vocalists: Alan Prater, Chris Millington, and Danny Blanco. With his keen eye for talent and innovative management style, Spark quickly established Portfolio as a powerhouse in the R&B scene. Within a year, the group achieved remarkable success, consistently selling out performances and captivating audiences with their soulful harmonies and dynamic stage presence.

Spark’s strategic negotiations for Portfolio’s publishing and recording contracts in both Montreal and Los Angeles further solidified his reputation as a savvy music industry professional. His efforts culminated in the launch of his own music production label, “4indamorning,” which rapidly became a household name in Montreal. Under his guidance, “4indamorning” emerged as a pivotal force in the local music scene, known for its distinctive sound and dedication to nurturing emerging talent.

Beyond his work with Portfolio, Spark Davidson’s influence extended throughout Montreal’s music community. His commitment to innovation and excellence helped elevate the city’s R&B and hip-hop genres, setting a high standard for artistic expression and collaboration. Spark’s ability to fuse traditional R&B elements with contemporary influences showcased his versatility and deep understanding of the evolving music landscape.

Spark’s impact on the music industry is a testament to his passion, creativity, and determination. As a manager, producer, and artist, he has left an indelible mark on Montreal’s music scene, inspiring a new generation of musicians and contributing to the city’s vibrant cultural tapestry. His journey from a rising artist to a respected industry leader is a remarkable achievement, reflecting his dedication to music and his unwavering pursuit of artistic excellence.

His latest music project IT’S ABOUT TIME -DA 4AM MIXTAPE ALBUM is available NOW

https://www.4indamorning.com

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