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Exclusive interview with Kristopher DeSoto, founder of Hiatus Tequila

by Avyana Chapman December 27, 2022
written by Avyana Chapman

The Knockturnal: We ask, why a tequila company?

Kristopher DeSoto: Having been raised in Texas, I was introduced to tequila early on and since then, I’ve traveled throughout Mexico extensively and spent nearly 8 years living there. In that time, I noticed that tequilas south of the border were often different from those found on US shelves, the flavors and aromas more robust and expressive. When I moved back to the US after a decade abroad, I was surprised to find that many of the new tequila brands that had become popular were nearly unrecognizable within their flavor to what I knew tequila to be. So, I decided that a traditional, honest tequila crafted from the finest ingredients should be available in the US.

I have not had a linear career path and for the majority of it I worked in helicopter sales and marketing for some of the largest manufacturers. That experience, along with my deep-rooted passion for travel, led me to explore over 50 countries and live on multiple continents by my mid-30’s. That cultural exposure is the best education I could have imagined and influenced what I’m doing today.

Speaking on our brand, a hiatus is a break, pause, or interruption in continuity. In other words, taking time away from the daily routine. Ultimately this is what every culture I’ve encountered aspires to when they are enjoying their adult beverages. We are all trying to have that little escape when we take a break to enjoy our favorite libation. The brand name is literal in that way.

Hiatus Tequila speaks for itself. We put all our focus on what’s inside the bottle, not how fancy the packaging is or what celebrity is pushing it. Respecting traditional processes and the integrity of the farmers and producers involved are key to a product that we can be extremely proud of. Real is good and tastes great!

The Knockturnal: What inspired you to start Hiatus Tequila?

Kristopher DeSoto: I’ve always loved agave spirits, especially tequila, but so much of what we find available on the US side of the border is mass-produced and “watered down” with artificial flavors and especially sweeteners. Long story short, I wanted to make real tequila as I knew it from living in Mexico. My goal was to introduce American consumers to what high quality, authentic tequila can and should taste like. It is vital for me to highlight the true celebrities of the tequila world, who are the hard-working farmers and amazing people that create this complex spirit that is deeply engraved in their culture.

The Knockturnal: What is your favorite tequila cocktail?

Kristopher DeSoto: Honestly, I like to taste the tequila, so less is more. A Hiatus Tequila soda with a twist of lime is full of the natural flavors and aromas that I love, and the fewer ingredients involved also means less calories! But I typically will drink any of our tequila expressions neat at room temperature or possibly with a few rocks if I’m feeling fancy. Tequila can be used in any classic cocktail; with both clear and aged expressions you can basically substitute tequila in nearly any cocktail. Añejo “Old Fashion”, Blanco “Dirty Martini”, Reposado “Mule”….to name a few.

The Knockturnal: What makes your tequila different from other brands?

Kristopher DeSoto: We believe less is more. Our tequilas are all natural, no added artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners. We age our reposado and añejo long enough to add unique characteristics but not so long that we lose the complexity of the agave, which is what tequila is all about. We know what we are and don’t try to be something we are not. We make tequila for tequila people, the old-fashioned way. The vast majority of tequila sold in the US is mass produced in very industrialized ways, that while can technically be called tequila, is far from the aromas and flavors that good tequila is meant to express.

 

The Knockturnal: Any advice that you would give to someone starting their own alcohol brand?

 Kristopher DeSoto: Be patient. Everything will take much longer than you can imagine. When you think it is time to expand, wait another 6 months. Going too far too fast is not the path to success. And finally, this industry never sleeps, so be ready to work around the clock and particularly on holidays when everyone else is enjoying what your created!

The Knockturnal: Are there any new exciting projects/news you can tell us about? 

 Kristopher DeSoto: We can’t give away our secrets, so stay tuned! But we can say that we have a small production run concept in the works for the near term, and of course some big ambition for the longer term.

 

The Knockturnal: What are you and your team most looking forward to in the new year?

Kristopher DeSoto: We look forward to educating even more consumers and industry professionals about our favorite spirit! Knowledge is power they say. The more we know, the better decisions we make which ultimately helps keep our industry healthy. Millions of new consumers have started exploring the tequila category for the first time in the last few years. The market has seen a flood of new brands and there is generally very little information available where consumers drink or buy their tequila. Hospitality and alcohol retail professionals are the gatekeepers and the main source of information for their consumers. We, at Hiatus Tequila focus on education to all of these audiences, which is one of the most rewarding parts of our job!

To keep up with Hiatus Tequila check out the links below!

Website: https://hiatustequila.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiatustequila/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HiatusTequila/

December 27, 2022 0 comments
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EventsMusicThe Latest

Amazon Studios Presents: Sleazy World Go

by Chris K. Singh December 6, 2022
written by Chris K. Singh

Amazon Studios presents Sleazyworld Go, the event gave fans a chance to get a first look at the Kansas City native presenting his music and story in his own words. After a brief interview breaking down his upbringing, Sleazyworld made it clear that those same circumstances were instrumental in the way that he developed his own sound and was able to handle all that has come with his current fame.
The intimate setting complimented Sleazyworld Go’s quiet confidence as he took his time and carefully and clearly answered each question- it was clear that he understood how big of an opportunity he was receiving as he sheaded a light on the fact that there are but a few rappers coming out of his city.
“I think what I am doing now is big- but I want to make a way for the artist’s down the line. Like, in ten years I want my city to look like Atlanta, Memphis- you know what I mean.”
Going into deep dive, Sleazyworld discussed some of the main influences that made his project “Where The Shooters At” exactly what it is. 

While he is known for the hard hitting anthems, he mentioned showcasing his ability to make slower love songs- such as his single that was released in August of this year “India Me”. In the song Sleazyworld Go elaborates on his fantasy of finding a female that will stick by his side through thick and thin. A rare sight to see an artist this early into his development willing to experiment with his sound, especially when he has already developed a formula that has been successful thus far. 

Shortly after the interview wrapped, Sleazyworld Go proceeded to show those in attendance as well as those live streaming exactly what they came for. His soft spoken energy disappeared almost immediately as he showcased his high energy that worked almost hand in hand with his music.
From his smash hit single-”Sleazy Flow” to the single he elaborated on “India Me” he did not hold back anything. It felt like he had an endless supply of energy once he began performing, each song carrying the energy that the previous song had held. Throughout the entirety of the performance- one thing was evident, the sky’s the limit in terms of potential.

December 6, 2022 0 comments
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MusicThe Latest

Singer Brynn Cartelli Talks New Song “Convertible in the Rain” and Touring [Interview]

by Nicole Casillo November 8, 2022
written by Nicole Casillo

Make some room on your fall playlist for acclaimed 19-year-old singer-songwriter Brynn Cartelli’s new song “Convertible in the Rain”

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November 8, 2022 0 comments
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Fashion & BeautyFeaturedLifestyle

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH SAM PAIGE

by Avyana Chapman September 2, 2022
written by Avyana Chapman

The Knockturnal: Please tell us a little about yourself.

Sam Paige:  “I am a content creator who blew up on TikTok during the COVID-19 quarantine. I have 3 million followers, I am 27 years old, and grew up in Connecticut but currently reside in South Florida.” 

 

The Knockturnal: If your life was a theme song what would it be and why?

Sam Paige: “Juice” by Lizzo would be my theme song. “I resonate with so many aspects of Juice. Lizzo sings, “If I’m shining, everybody gonna shine.” If I am shining I want all my friends and family to shine. Also, on the internet, I want everyone to feel like they are so beautiful and the best version of themselves… literally shining. A Lizzo “Juice” line states, “I was born like this, don’t even gotta try.” I was born like this, I was born thick and fat. It is what it is and I am rockin’ with it. Another line I resonate with is, “I’m like Chardonnay, get better over time.” I, like many others, was not one of those girls that peeked in High School. I am out here growing and becoming my better self each and every day. Lizzo: “Heard you say I’m not the baddest bitch, you lie.” I have faced hate comments online and IRL. Despite the negativity, I don’t care what you say, I am the baddest bitch.”  

The Knockturnal: Tell us about your TikTok journey. What made you want to start a TikTok?

Sam Paige: “I got into TikTok, like most of us, during quarantine. My friend wanted to learn a dance and realized how great of a dancer and how quickly I could catch on to the moves. After this, I rediscovered my love for dance after not being in the studio for about 6 years. It started with dancing in bikinis (what I continue to do) and sharing my love for body positivity. I genuinely didn’t think anyone would care to see a plus-sized girl dancing in swimwear but is happy the internet proved her differently because it is now my career.” 

The Knockturnal: Tell us more about Dance.

Sam Paige: “I started dancing when I was five, I told my mom that I wanted to be on Broadway. She believed in me and my dream and placed me in dance, choir, and theater. I really love dancing, I stuck with it for 15 years! I even danced for one year on my college’s pom team. Honestly, the experience was shitty… I couldn’t jump as high due to me being a big girl and was told to sit out of dances multiple times because of that… But now the jokes are on them because I am the only one dancing for a living. I think dance is a great way to express myself and I find these TikTok dances extremely fun and enjoyable to learn.” 

Fun fact: Sam learns TikTok dances in about 10-15 minutes depending on the difficulty and only needs to do them 3-4 times to get the perfect one. 

The Knockturnal: Has TikTok led you into any other creative passions?

Sam Paige: “Since joining TikTok I have discovered a love for modeling. I feel when people model via Instagram they are always considered “Instagram models.”  All because of TikTok and my followers I have been able to walk in the past two Miami Swim Weeks. Last year (2021) I walked for boohoo – this is when I really discovered my passion for modeling in a more serious light. The boohoo show was at the Versace Mansion in Miami which was a magical experience.. After, I made my way to NYC for New York Fashion Week (2021) where I walked for two different clothing designers.  Just recently I walked in Miami’s 2022 Swim Week, where I walked in three different shows and represented four different designers. I have also done some modeling gigs for e-commerce brands in South Florida. I really enjoys the modeling experience and being a part of the evolution in body positivity within the modeling community.” 

Email Sam to inquire about her modeling services.

 

The Knockturnal: What are some struggles you face as a plus-sized content creator?

Sam Paige: “Some struggles that are faced are; people are really shocked that a fat girl could have a following. I see this struggle when collaborating with different brands. I feel that many brands and businesses are shocked and are in disbelief that a curvy girl can help represent them. I also have noticed that the bots on social media are always flagging my posts for nudity or inappropriate content because I have physically more skin on my body, even though I am showing the same or even less skin than others on the same social channels.” 

The Knockturnal: What does diversity and inclusion in the modeling and content-creating world mean to you?

Sam Paige: “Diversity and inclusion mean the world to me… I wouldn’t be where I am if I was just a stick figure little girl dancing on TikTok… There are a million billion girls of that nature.” What has really gotten me far in my career is the fact that I am different. I am curvy and plus-sized. My goal is to include more plus-sized people as content creators or models. I really want people to see that just because they are bigger they should not be limited from being a content creator or model as a career. I am so pleased that significantly more companies are giving curvy girls these opportunities. I have gotten to work with brands that I thought would never give a plus-sized creator or model the time of day. Some brands I have worked with are Lucky Brand, Aeropostale, and boohoo. Even some plus-sized companies, like Torrid, see the value in a plus-sized girl representing them online and modeling. I owe everything to people who want to have inclusion. I can’t wait to have more diversity!”

 

The Knockturnal: Although the fashion industry has progressed a lot in the past few years, what are some challenges that you believe still need to be addressed or faced?

Sam Paige: I believe although the fashion industry still has a long road of progression ahead of them they have been trending in the right direction. It has really helped my confidence to wear outfits that make me feel good in my own skin… I have seen a lot of changes in fast fashion. I find fast fashion is a lot easier to shop while being plus-sized whereas luxury brands still have a long way to go. It’s great that Gucci offers a 3XL now but it’s still not enough for the masses. I love shopping at Shien but think they could be more size-inclusive as well, their biggest size is only one size bigger than mine. I would really love to see extending in size so all people could experience the clothing they want to wear to express themselves. I am extremely sick of oversized clothing being available to straight-sized girls and making the clothing fit plus-sized girls but not offering it their size… It makes no sense.”

 

The Knockturnal: What advice would you give to someone who wants to get into content creating or modeling? 

Sam Paige: “I have only experienced the modeling world as an influencer and it has definitely helped in my case. I want to say I am not trained as a model so everything I have learned has been from my own experience, photographers, and fashion designers that have guided me. I suggest that you sign up with an agency that you trust and go from there. Content creation comes down to consistency. It is also very important to find your niche and work your niche to its full capacity. Even now it’s hard for me to post things that don’t consist of me dancing due to my following. Post three times a day on TikTok if you have to. Whatever you decide your niche is stick with it!!!!” 

The Knockturnal: Give us all the Miami Swim Week 2022 tea!

Sam Paige: “This past Swim Week I participated in three different walks. I walked in “Splashing Lights” for FLKD, the next show was for “The Society” created by designer Krissy King, and the last show was for “Miami Swim Week – The Shows” which was hosted at the SLS. In the next show the designer, Diva Kurves, had only curvy girls which were really inspiring to walk with plus-sized girls. I also walked for another brand called “Porshia” where I walked in a swimsuit cover-up. I enjoyed all the walks and found each one to be very different. I also got invited to an influencer event and got to go to the “Good American” event at the 1 Hotel South Beach Miami.” 

The Knockturnal: What has been the best vacation you have been on?

Sam Paige: “I graduated from Johnson and Wales with a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Traveling Tourism with a concentration in cruise line management. I always had an interest in traveling but decided I didn’t want to work on a cruise ship after working on one for a little. Travel has now become something I am even more passionate about because I have experienced some crazy things. Last year, my best friend Morgan, AKA @bald_baddie on IG, and I went on a 20-day Europe trip. It was probably the best trip of my life.

The Knockturnal: Any new and exciting news you can share with us?

Sam Paige: “I will be walking in New York Fashion Week in September of 2022, I will also be going to Playlist Live in Orlando (The Ultimate Creator Event) in September (right after my birthday).” Playlist Live will be my first content creator event, and I am super excited! I also am slowly working on a swimsuit line with a company hopefully coming out in April.”

Keep up with Sam on TikTok and Instagram to follow her journey. 

September 2, 2022 0 comments
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EntertainmentFilmThe Latest

Cast Talks ‘Dino Dana: The Movie’

by Eliana Arian June 18, 2022
written by Eliana Arian

Based on the award-winning kids’ tv series, now in its 4th year, “Dino Dana the Movie” is currently available on Amazon.

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June 18, 2022 0 comments
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Fashion & BeautyLifestyleThe Latest

Exclusive Interview With Courtney LeMarco, Founder and CEO of MOTSI Couture

by Avyana Chapman June 3, 2022
written by Avyana Chapman

A swimsuit from MOTSI is a must-have as we roll into Summer 2022. MOSTI is a black-owned fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brand.

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June 3, 2022 0 comments
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MusicThe Latest

Exclusive: Rising singer/songwriter chae shares details about new music video, blossoming career, and upcoming debut EP

by Andrea Lorena May 23, 2022
written by Andrea Lorena

We sat down with rising singer/songwriter chae to get the scoop on her upcoming debut EP, ‘Letters I’ll Never Write.”

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May 23, 2022 0 comments
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Jenny Cho at Cartier Women's Initiative. Image: Cartier Women's Initiative
EventsLifestyleThe Latest

The Journey of Female Entrepreneurship: Wingee Sampaio Discusses the 15 Years of the Cartier Women’s Initiative

by Benjamin Schmidt May 8, 2022
written by Benjamin Schmidt

On this Mother’s Day in the US, we recognize and celebrate the working mother: those women who transform their lives for their children, while still contributing to the work force. Of this group of hardworking individuals, female entrepreneurs face unique challenges in the workplace, sometimes dealing with fundamental issues that men may never encounter.

To this end, for the past 15 years Cartier has championed women entrepreneurs through their Women’s Initiative, an all-encompassing international entrepreneurship program that aims to drive change by empowering women impact entrepreneurs. The program is open to women-run and women-owned businesses from any country and sector that aim to have a strong and sustainable social or environmental impact. We joined Cartier in celebrating the 15th anniversary of the program earlier this year along with a celebration for International Women’s Day in Dubai.

Now, we share highlights from an interview with Wingee Sampaio, the director of the Cartier Women’s Initiative, who spoke on the evolution of the program, the unique challenges female entrepreneurs experience, and the triumphs she’s witnessed. Quotes were edited for clarity and brevity.

Female entrepreneurs encounter unique challenges in business

There are specific kinds of challenges. I think the most well known one is around funding. Women have a challenging time raising capital because there’s less women on the other side [as investors], so there some biases. Often it comes from the type of questions that they receive. So something, for example, when a male investor meets a fellow male, they’ll be like, ‘Oh, what is your business potential? What is the growth, etcetera?’ Very focused on growth.

 

But when it’s a woman, the questions are, ‘What are the risks that you see? how are you addressing all these risks?’ Then at the end they’re like, ‘Wow, she’s full of risk and I’m not so sure.’ It’s a good investment, but, this is the nature. Growth-orientated versus risk-adverse type of questions for women entrepreneurs.

 

But it’s not much of it, I would say is necessarily intentional. It may just be a bit of an unconscious bias amongst investors. And of course now with the research being published, there’s greater awareness around this challenge.

 

This is one of the reason why our program exists. We are specifically focused on impact entrepreneurs because we believe business is an important force for good. And we’re specifically focused on the woman doing this work because despite the fact that they’re creating businesses that the world needs, they’re facing more barriers than normal to solve for these challenges.

 

Female Entrepreneurs feel pressured to shift their personality to satisfy perceptions of entrepreneurs

We posed a question about the behaviors that Wingee has encountered in her coaching and mentorship experience, having worked with hundreds of women through her career and the Initiative.

The most common thing I see is a little bit holding back in personality. Sometimes they feel like they have to sound a certain way in order for them to be heard and that there is a certain way to pitch. So sometimes they deviate from what their true expression is. We want women impact entrepreneurs to hold true to what their purpose is. They’re building a business around that and they want the business to resonate with investors.

 

So in terms of coaching, it’s more about this: how do you self-reflect and be more self-aware? How do you be more comfortable actually with what you are working on. For the woman impact entrepreneur, we try to create a sense of belonging and a sense of community so that they can feel like other fellows in our program.

 

Affirmations can offer validation and a gentle challenge

When asked about what lessons Wingee has learned from leading the Cartier Women’s Initiative, she had this to say:

I’m actually on a very similar boat as many of our women entrepreneurs in the sense that we are all women change makers. We see something in the world that we would like to do something about and we are trying our best to create that change. Holding onto the purpose, being a firm and confident that what you’re doing is needed is a constant challenges.

 

The pandemic has disproportionally impacted women and minorities. That said, if ever there was a moment to witness the resilience of a woman leader, the current times have really reinforced the importance of our work.

 

For me, I try to have an affirmation of why I do what I do. Reminding myself of my north star so that you can do your best work. I intentionally make time for that.

 

The Cartier Women’s Initiative has evolved from a single event to an ongoing story of award, fellowship, community, and thought leadership

The program’s awarding of grants has been steady, but now the Initiative works closely with the entrepreneurs and expert third parties to synthesize the economics of the entrepreneurial work, allowing for closer and more accurate alignment from the perspective of story, business stage, and market potential, ultimately setting these entrepreneurs up for success.

We’ve been around for 15 years which is a tremendous testament in terms of commitment by Cartier. For the first 10 years we were more of an award; a single event. It was an event to recognize and these incredible women entrepreneurs.

 

But fortunately, five years ago, we had the commitment of Cyrille to really grow this program and to do more work in this space. I felt that it was time to get the pieces in this place, so we grew from an award to the current four pillars of our work: award, fellowship, community, and thought leadership. So the next step was to figure out how to measure the impact of each of those so that we could continuously reflect and improve on that work.

 

In the beginning years, there was a Laureate and then there was the runner-up, and only the Laureate received the financial grant. When Cyrille joined, he changed it so there would be a financial grant, even for the second and third place. This was great because all of these women are doing incredible work. So then we had $100,000 grant for the Laureate, $30,000 grant for the two runner-ups.

 

Then in the last three years, we have been evolving our selection process, and now we engage with an impact investment firm that does the due diligence for us around each of the entrepreneurs. Our knowledge and our work with entrepreneurs is much closer than it has ever been. So as a result of that, we do know more in detail, the differences between their businesses. We wanted to increase our commitment to the space, and this is why for us we again changed the grants to $100,000. $60,000 and $30,000, and that’s how we will be going forward.

 

The Cartier Women’s Initiative differentiates between coaching and mentorship

Wingee proudly shares the difference between coaching and mentorship, and expresses that finding the perfect personality and skills match between the mentor or coach and mentee is critical for success.

For us, when we are talking about coaching, it is about executive leadership and it’s about fully expressing your intentionality. It’s much more of a leadership and mindset training, and we call that coaching. Coaching involves actually helping entrepreneurs reflect on how they could be more of what I’m trying to do myself. Almost holding you accountable.

 

Mentoring is actually professional experience. For example, say I lack expertise in medical device product development, or I lack expertise in growing my business from five people to 100 people. Mentoring is more of a transfer of professional experience; someone who has been there and done that and what you are trying to do from a practical sense.

 

One of my biggest challenges with initiative is actually finding the right supply of the contribution with the right demand from the fellow. We have been very fortunate to have such a large selection of people who are interested in mentoring and entrepreneurs who have a lot of need. It’s a game of matching.

You can learn more about the work of the Cartier Women’s Initiative here, and get the full details about this year’s Impact Award winners, nine former fellows who continue to succeed, here.

May 8, 2022 0 comments
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Fashion & BeautyLifestyleThe Latest

Draya Michele Talks Mint Swim, Design Inspo, and the Ideal Beach Vacay

by Samantha Bergeson February 18, 2022
written by Samantha Bergeson

Draya Michele is many things: a top model, a former reality star, a mother, an actress, an entrepreneur, an Instagram influencer with more than 8.7 million followers.

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February 18, 2022 0 comments
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EntertainmentMusicThe Latest

Rising L.A. musician LOU.M talks growth, creative process and more

by JaJuan Malachi February 18, 2022
written by JaJuan Malachi

Ever since the advent of his music career back in 2019, L.A. rap crooner Louis Murray, better known as, LOU.M has embraced a ground-up, “quality over quantity” approach to delivering high-level music. 

Instead of aimlessly spewing out a plethora of content like most newcomers, LOU.M has been a bit more methodical in his approach.

With an eclectic skill set of adept vocal ability mixed with a hard hitting rap prowess, LOU.M illustrates that being a multi-hyphenate is not the exception but a core requirement within today’s intertwined landscape of Hip-Hop and R&B. 

Gleaning salient influence from idiosyncratic Hip-Hop heavy hitters like Smino and André 3000, LOU M.’s sound can be described as serene, atmospheric and supremely chill. 

In a modern-day soundscape replete with monotonous flows and distasteful imitation, LOU.M’s evades this trend as he’s able to espouse his own refreshing, “out of the norm” sense of originality.  

Considering the release of his latest single: Outside, JaJuan Malachi of The Knockturnal chopped it up with the rising star to discuss a number of pertinent matters including his background, inspirations and aspirations for his career. 

Here is how the conversation played out: 

JaJuan: For those who don’t know much about LOU.M just yet, tell us about your background and how you got your start in music? 

LOU M.: Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA all the way through my high school years. After that I went to college at Stony Brook University out in Long Island, NY. Played football all four years on scholarship. Felt like it was necessary for me to go somewhere else and experience the culture there. Dove into it and at the same time I continued to write even more. I started off writing poetry when I was in High School, I kept writing and also started performing live at events while I was in college. That foundation kept me confident and built a strong base of people that were actually keeping up with my poetry. In 2019, I performed at an event and I met a woman that invited me to recite a poem for her album in the studio. February 2019 was my first time ever hearing myself after being recorded and I never stopped. It felt natural and made so much sense to me so I really decided to begin writing in song. 

JaJuan: What does your creative process entail? 

LOU M.:My creative process really comes from drawing out my own personal experiences or those that I’ve encountered in life. That’s where I draw inspiration from. I’m a writer so I really just like to sit and take the time to let the thoughts pour out in the best way I see fit for whatever beat I’m working with. Sometimes I can finish a whole song in a day, other times it can take weeks or even a month but that’s simply because of whatever the content of the song is. I believe I hit pockets of time where I may feel stuck with a song and to me that means I just have to keep living. The story will fill itself in. 

JaJuan: What motivates you to pursue a career in music?

LOU.M:What motivates me to pursue this career in music is my family and also the simple fact that writing these songs is a great outlet for me. Whether it is joy or sorrow, it has become important for me to write and speak my mind.

JaJuan: Who are some of your biggest inspirations and some artists that are on your radar at the moment?

LOU.M: Some of my biggest inspirations come from paying attention to those who came before me and really had an impact in this industry just by being themselves. Artists like Jimi Hendrix, Andre 3000, even groups like Wu-Tang. I listen to a wide variety of music, old and new. So it varies who’s really on my radar, sometimes I really focus on production, other times I can be really into hearing lyricists or people who are more focused on just creating an overall vibe. 

JaJuan: Outside of music, do you have any other creative outlets that you enjoy? 

LOU.M: Outside of music I really enjoy snowboarding. Got the season pass so I’ve been going pretty frequently and it’s a positive way to use my energy. It’s easy to misuse your time and energy in this world so finding another outlet to keep myself focused is a blessing. 

JaJuan: As far as your career trajectory goes, are you striving for a traditional record deal or are you a proponent of independence and creating and promoting your own art without the “machine” behind it? 

LOU M.: I think the concept of being an independent artist is important, especially the way the business has changed over the years. I feel like I came into the game at the right time to grow. With that being said, I’m still open to partnering with the “machine”. It’s a matter of balance and everyone’s situation is different from what I understand. Paying attention to detail with whomever you deal with seems to be the most important part when it comes to doing business in this industry. 

JaJuan: If you could do a collab with anyone in the industry right now, who would it be and why? 

LOU. M: If I could collab with anyone in the game right now it’d be between Smino, Andre 3000, Tyler The Creator, and Kendrick Lamar (more specifically, PG Lang). 

JaJuan: What was the inspiration behind the concept of your latest single: Outside? 

LOU. M: I wrote OUTSIDE towards the end of the summer of ‘21. The inspiration was from my point of view of what I was seeing while I was “outside”. Still in a pandemic but people wanted to be outside. They wanted interaction even though it seemed unattainable at one point. 

JaJuan: What can we expect from LOU.M in 2022? 

LOU.M: What you can expect from me in 2022 is consistency.

To keep up with LOU.M, follow him on Instagram

February 18, 2022 0 comments
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We had the honor of celebrating VMAs weekend with We had the honor of celebrating VMAs weekend with @bacardi and @mtv! 💫
History met history last night 🗽🎬✨ The Ha History met history last night 🗽🎬✨

The Hamilton movie premiere transformed the Delacorte Theater into a stage of its own, as the original cast and creative team reunited to celebrate a story that changed Broadway forever. From the first note to the final bow, the revolution continues. 🎭📜

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/under-the-stars-at-the-delacorte-theater-hamilton-premiere-original-cast-in-attendance/

✍️: Lauren Wire

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#Hamilton #Broadway #HamiltonMovie #DelacorteTheater #LinManuelMiranda #BroadwayLegends #StageToScreen #MusicalTheater
✨ Disney magic meets coffee culture ☕🐭 @dis ✨ Disney magic meets coffee culture ☕🐭 @disneyfamily x @lalalandkindcafe are serving up the sweetest collab of the season — from Mickey drink sleeves to Munchlings surprises 🎁 Don’t miss it before it’s gone Sept. 16!

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/mickey-friends-bring-whimsy-to-la-la-land-kind-cafe/

✍️: Ashley Lopez 

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#Disney #LaLaLandKindCafe #DisneyCollab #DisneyMagic #CoffeeLovers #MickeyAndFriends #DisneyFoodies
From @iamcardib undeniable reign to @wutangclan ev From @iamcardib undeniable reign to @wutangclan everlasting impact, the 2025 Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players Awards celebrated the artists and executives shaping the culture today. 🎤🎸💥

With honorees like @leonthomas and @gelo alongside hip-hop’s legends, the night was a reminder that the genre’s future is just as powerful as its past. 🤩

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/cardi-b-leon-thomas-gelo-wu-tang-clan-more-honored-at-2025-billboard-rb-hip-hop-power-players-awards/

✍️: Nishat Baig

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#Billboard #RnB #HipHop #PowerPlayers #CardiB #WuTangClan #LeonThomas #Gelo #RnBMusic #HipHopCulture #MusicAwards
PSA!!! We have another #knockgiveaway and this tim PSA!!! We have another #knockgiveaway and this time it’s for tickets to see LU KALA 💥

We’re giving away a pair of tickets to see her at Mercury Lounge in New York City on September 10th! Join us as we dance the night away to some of her top hits like Pretty Girl Era and Hotter Now 🎶

To enter hit the link 🔗 in our bio and fill out the form. Winners will be contacted through email! 

📍MUST BE IN NEW YORK CITY
🎶 From EXO standout to solo powerhouse, @zkdlin 🎶 From EXO standout to solo powerhouse, @zkdlin brought charisma, control, and creativity to every second of his Shrine set.

Kai On Tour gave fans in LA a front-row seat to his evolution as an artist, and it was nothing short of iconic. 👏

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/kai-on/

✍️: Emma Salehi

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#KaiOnTour #KAI #KAIatTheShrine #KpopInLA #EXO #KpopSoloist #KpopConcert #KAI2025 #ShrineLA
🗞️ Extra, extra! Go inside the newsroom with 🗞️ Extra, extra! Go inside the newsroom with “The Paper” — the sharp new workplace comedy making headlines. 🖋️ We sat down with the cast + creators in an exclusive video interview to talk inspiration, improv, and bringing chaos to the copy desk. 🎬✨

📺 Watch the full interview now 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/the-paper-puts-a-newsroom-spin-on-classic-workplace-comedy/

✍️: Alyssa Threadgill

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#ThePaper #VideoInterview #WorkplaceComedy #BehindTheScenes #IndieTV #ComedySeries #CastInterview #OnSet #TVTalk #MakingTheShow #WritersRoom #BTS #NewSeries
🎥✨ Austin Butler and the cast of Caught Steal 🎥✨ Austin Butler and the cast of Caught Stealing open up about stepping into this gritty new story, the challenges on set, and why this film is unlike anything they’ve done before.

Catch our exclusive video interview now!

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/austin-butler-cast-talk-new-movie-caught-stealing-video/

✍️: OJ Williams

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#AustinButler #CaughtStealing #MovieInterview #ExclusiveInterview #FilmFeature #BehindTheScenes #Hollywood #OnSet #NewMovies #EditorialContent #CastInterview
Vegas was just crowned the No. 1 nightlife spot in Vegas was just crowned the No. 1 nightlife spot in the world. We put our detective skills to work at @resortsworldlv to see if it lives up to the hype 🎰 🪩🥂💃🕺

Read the full review on our website ✍️ 

#lasvegas #resortsworld #hilton #sliving #zoox #zouk #stubbornseed #alle #nightlife #vegas #elderbrook
When French comfort food, @marthastewart48 hospita When French comfort food, @marthastewart48 hospitality, and @parisvegas combine you get @thebedfordbymarthastewart 🇫🇷🤤 Our recent trip to the legendary homemaker’s restaurant in Las Vegas had us positively stuffed.

Read the full review on our website ✍️ 

#lasvegas #marthastewart #thebedfordbymarthastewart #parislasvegas #frenchfood
@zkdlin performs ‘Mhmm’ at his solo tour #KaiO @zkdlin performs ‘Mhmm’ at his solo tour #KaiOn in Los Angeles ✨

Full Concert Review Coming Soon… ✍️

#Kai #Kpop #KpopConcert #Exo
@zkdlin performs ‘Rover’ 🚗⚠️ at #KaiOn @zkdlin performs ‘Rover’ 🚗⚠️ at #KaiOn in Los Angeles ✨ 

Full Concert Review Coming Soon… ✍️

#Kai #Kpop #KpopConcert #Exo
A @weareone.exo throwback from @zkdlin at his firs A @weareone.exo throwback from @zkdlin at his first ever solo tour, #KaiOn 🐺✨ This is ‘Growl’ 

Full Concert Review Coming Soon… ✍️

#Kai #Kpop #KpopConcert #Exo
🎶 Meet @hitgs_offcl — the K-Pop girl group ma 🎶 Meet @hitgs_offcl — the K-Pop girl group making waves at KCON 2025. In our exclusive, they open up about growth, music, and their U.S. debut story.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/hitgs/

✍️: Emma Salehi

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#HITGS #KCON2025 #KPopGroup #RisingStars #KPopOnStage #KPopInTheUS #GlobalStage #KPopExclusive #MusicAndCulture #NextGenKPop
📍 Culture has a new home. Complex x ESPN’s fl 📍 Culture has a new home. Complex x ESPN’s flagship opening blended sport, sound, and style into an experience that set the tone for what comes next.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/complex-x-espn-flagship-grand-opening-a-night-of-style-sports-and-sounds/

✍️: Winnie Ren

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#ComplexxESPN #FlagshipOpening #Complex #ESPN
🔥 Korean rock band @xdinaryheroes_official kick 🔥 Korean rock band @xdinaryheroes_official kicked off their LA show at the Hollywood Palladium with an electrifying performance of “Beautiful Life” 🎶✨

🌌 “The track’s soaring lyrics and layered sound made for the perfect introduction.” 🎸💥

Read the full article here 👉 https://theknockturnal.com/xdinary-heroes-los-angeles/

By @emmasalehi 

#XdinaryHeroes #BeautifulLife #KoreanRock #LiveMusic #HollywoodPalladium #KBand #RockOn #ConcertVibes
🎶🎤 Legends and rising stars took over Newark 🎶🎤 Legends and rising stars took over Newark for Rock the Bells 2025—Busta Rhymes, Redman, Scarface, Remy Ma, and more brought hip-hop’s past, present, and future to life. Hosted by Roxanne Shanté with DJ Kid Capri on the decks, this was a celebration you won’t forget! 🙌

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/rock-the-bells-2025-celebrating-hip-hops-past-present-and-future/

✍️: Malachi Davis 

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#RockTheBells2025 #HipHopFestival #BustaRhymes #Redman #Scarface #RemyMa #RoxanneShante #DJKidCapri #HipHopLegends #FestivalVibes #MusicFestival #HipHopCulture #NewarkEvents #UptownRecords #LiveMusic #HipHop
@jamieleecurtis , @lindsaylohan , and a whole new @jamieleecurtis , @lindsaylohan , and a whole new generation of chaos... 💜💚
“Freakier Friday” flips back into theaters August 16! 🔄

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/disneys-freakier-friday-a-nostalgic-encore-with-a-modern-beat/

✍️: Jesse Kosierowski

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#FreakyFriday #DisneyMovies #BodySwap #FamilyComedy #MovieNight #Nostalgia #JamieLeeCurtis #LindsayLohan #NowInTheaters #MovieMagic #Disney
Enter for a chance to WIN tickets to the hottest s Enter for a chance to WIN tickets to the hottest show of the summer at the Hollywood Bowl in LA on August 27! Get ready to dance the night away with the legendary Charlie Wilson, known for his timeless funk hits, the iconic Grammy magnet “Babyface,” and the smooth, soulful vibes of K-Ci Hailey. Don’t miss your chance to witness these music legends light up the stage—enter now and let the magic begin! 🌟🎶

🔗 Link in bio
📍MUST BE IN LOS ANGELES! 

#losangeles #hollywoodbowl #knockgiveaway
SomeTHING was in the air last week at the NY premi SomeTHING was in the air last week at the NY premiere and special screening of @wednesdaynetflix season 2! 🤍
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